Understanding Community Assessments: Dr. Cindy Delgado's Expertise for CHES Exam Success - Part 1

In this episode, Bree and Dr. Delgado explore the critical components of planning and assessment necessary for public health programming.

They review different phases of needs assessments and capacity building while emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Planning and Assessment

2. Forms of Data Collection

3. Community Engagement

4. Needs and Capacity Assessment

Introduction to Planning and Assessment

Dr. Delgado explains the essential stages of planning and assessment in public health, detailing the importance of defining scope, purpose, and identifying priority populations. She emphasizes the need to establish clear goals and objectives before initiating any public health program, especially in resource-limited settings.

Forms of Data Collection

In this segment, Dr. Delgado reviews various forms of data collection, including primary and secondary data. She discusses the importance of establishing partnerships and agreements, identifying data gaps, and creating comprehensive analysis plans to support the assessment process.

Community Engagement

The discussion then moves to community engagement, where Dr. Delgado outlines strategies for including community members, leaders, and organizations in public health initiatives. She highlights the benefits of a community-centered approach, emphasizing equitable decision-making and the various roles partners and stakeholders can play.

Needs and Capacity Assessment

Dr. Delgado concludes the episode by covering needs and capacity assessments. She discusses the importance of identifying priorities, setting clear goals, and assessing available resources. She also touches on the significance of planning committees and coalitions in supporting these assessments.

Conclusion

Bree wraps up the episode by summarizing the key takeaways, reinforcing that preparing for the CHES exam can be engaging and fun. She encourages listeners to download the free CHES Prep checklist available at chesprep.com/guide for a comprehensive guide to exam success.

---

Make sure to tune in for Part 2 of Dr. Delgado’s insightful presentation and continue your journey towards becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist with confidence!