Assess key factors related to your population, environment and organization.
Information gathered at the Assess Stage provides the foundation for understanding the determinants of population outcomes and environmental factors that will influence your program’s success.
A critical component for sustaining a successful and impactful program is understanding, not only the needs and risk factors relevant to your target population, but the environment in which a program will be implemented. This information will lay the foundation for building a successful program.
During this stage, it is important to assess:
Data can be gathered from various sources, such as state or local surveillance (e.g. Youth Risk Behavior Survey) or by conducting your own surveys, focus groups or interviews. These data are essential for demonstrating the need for your program and gaining buy-in and support from funders, key stakeholders, partners and leaders within your own organization. Before you move on to the next stage, you may need to address limitations identified during assessment stage.