What are the four assessments that form the core of the MAPP process?

The four assessments at the core of the MAPP process are the Community Themes and Strengths Assessment, the Local Public Health System Assessment (LPHSA), the Community Health Status Assessment, and the Forces of Change Assessment. Together they combine qualitative and quantitative methods to build a comprehensive picture of the community.

In Phase 3 of the MAPP process, these four assessments are performed. The Community Themes and Strengths Assessment gathers qualitative information about residents' perceptions, values, and quality-of-life concerns. The Local Public Health System Assessment focuses on the organizations and entities that contribute to the public's health and how well they collaborate. The Community Health Status Assessment relies largely on quantitative data such as morbidity, mortality, quality-of-life indicators, and behavioral risk factors. The Forces of Change Assessment analyzes external forces, both positive and negative, such as legislation, technology, and other impending changes that could affect the community's health.