+1 862 207 3288 Discussion 1: Planning and Integrating Community Health Assessments
Think of the Tongan example in the Weekly Introduction. What was the main reason the proposed public health program was ineffective? The
students had failed to properly plan a community health assessment of their target community. If they had done a proper plan for the
assessment, it might have lead them to propose a more culturally-appropriate program such as a plan for community dances, which the
Tongans later suggested and proceeded to plan and implement without the students’ help.
A community health assessment is an important starting point for addressing any public health program. It provides a road map to follow
throughout the process. As a public health professional, you will need to be familiar with the proper planning of this important tool,
which provides the foundation for the entire program, and to understand how it is integrated in program planning.
For this Discussion, review the media titled Assessment and Potential Outcomes. Consider how individuals such as Water Missions Belize
co-founder Jennifer Harsta, Country Director Douglas Flores, and Health Education Officer Arlette Sheppard from the Ministry of Health
used community health assessments in the development of public health programs. If you have completed Steps I and II of the SPP, please
refer to your community health assessment for this Discussion. If you have not completed Steps I and II, please refer to the examples of
community health assessment (Monroe County Department of Public Health) in the Learning Resources or research a community health
assessment you would like to use for this Discussion.
Post by Day 3 an explanation of the effects of improper planning of community health assessment on a public health program. Then, briefly
describe the community and health issue you selected for this Discussion, and explain what strategies you might use to improve the
planning of your community health assessment. Finally, explain how you might integrate the community health assessment into your program
planning.
Main post
Post by Day 3
Your post MUST be divided into 4 segments (you must use these headings – do not modify them):
1. An explanation of the effects of improper planning of community health assessment on a public health program
2. Brief description of the community and health issue you selected for this Discussion
3. Explanation of strategies you might use to improve the planning of your community health assessment
4. Explanation of how you might integrate the community health assessment into your program planning
Word limit: 200-300 words
You must stay within the word limit. The headings and the main text are included in the word limit. The references are not included in the
word limit.
References: at least 2
Discussion 2: Theories and Models
Like an artist, a program planner who grounds health in theory creates innovative ways to address specific circumstances. He or she does
not depend on a “paint-by-numbers” approach, re-hashing stale ideas, but uses a palette of behavior theories, skillfully applying them to
develop unique, tailored solutions to problems.
—U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute,
Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice
Health theories provide both a conceptual basis for public health programming and a framework to support its design, planning,
implementation, and evaluation. They can explain why a health condition or issue might exist (explanatory theory) or what might work to
mitigate a public health issue (change theory). Health theories are often integrated into health promotion models (Fertman & Allensworth,
2010). One theoretical health promotion model frequently used is the MAP-IT Model, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) for the Healthy People 2020 Initiative.
For this Discussion, choose a health theory from the Learning Resources that would apply to your SPP. Then, review the Healthy People 2020
document from the Learning Resources and consider how you would integrate this health theory into the MAP-IT Model that could be used for
your SPP.
Post by Day 4 a description of the health theory that you are using in your SPP. Then, explain how your chosen theory would inform your
use of the MAP-IT Model. Explain two benefits and two limitations of using the MAP-IT Model in your SPP.
Read my instructions carefully.
Have the “Discussion” rubric next to you to ensure they gain all possible points. This makes the difference between a “B” and “A” grade.
Main post:
Due Day 4
Divide your response into 3 sections (you must use these headings – do not modify them!!):
1. A description of the health theory that you are using in your SPP
2. Explanation of how your chosen theory would inform your use of the MAP-IT Model
3. Explanation of two benefits and two limitations of using the MAP-IT Model in your SPP
Support your statements/arguments with evidence (at least two references).
Length requirement: 200 – 300 words.
You must stay within the word limit. The headings and the main text are included in the word limit. The references are not included in the
word limit.
References: 2 and more
