JEFFSelects: Community & Public Health

Public Health Assessment Tools

• GIS and Public Health (National Center for Health Statistics)
  Geographic information systems (GIS) software is used to graphically map data in order to better identify geographic trends. Public health professionals use GIS tools to better identify health issues and problems of specific geographic areas. An electronic newsletter and specific maps are available.
  
  
• GIS.com
  GIS.com provides information about geographic information systems, examples of GIS mapping, and links to both free and commercial GIS software, including GIS viewers.
  
  
• MAPP (National Association of City and County Health Officials)
  MAPP stands for “Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships.” It is a community assessment and planning tool. Features include examples on how to perform such assessments and an opportunity to construct an illustrated community roadmap. Free registration is required.
  
  
• Performance Standards Instruments (National Public Health Performance Standards Program, NPHPSP)
  The NPHPSP is a program developed by several cooperating public health organizations and the CDC. The program focuses on the assessment and evaluation of public health at various levels. Three evaluative instruments are available:
  
  
  • Local Public Health System Performance Assessment Instrument
  • State Public Health System Performance Assessment Instrument
  • Local Public Health System Governance Performance Assessment Instrument.
    
    
  A glossary and links to related resources are also provided.