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Using Best Practices

When choosing a program, it is essential to understand the special characteristics of a community.  Prior to selecting from existing "best practices" or strategies for implementation, communities should complete the following:

• Community Needs Assessment

• Prioritization of Health Problems and Risks

• Resources Assessment of Community Competencies and/or Weaknesses

Once a health problem and the resources able to support an intervention have been identified, a community may begin to choose an appropriate program or strategy.  Things to consider include:

• Is the intensity of program or strategy sufficient for addressing the problem?

• Are the program’s target ages, genders and cultures appropriate?

• Will the community and target group support such a program or intervention?

• Have all barriers to implementation been identified?

• Is the chosen program or strategy targeted within the right setting?

• Are there enough strategies to address the health problem?

• Does the cost of the intervention fit within the community's resources?

• Are there personnel available and trained to implement the program?

Some resources to help you in making these decisions include:

• The Community Toolbox 

Includes "how-to" sections

• Choosing and Adapting Community Interventions

• Understanding Risk and Protective Factors:  

Their Use in Selecting Potential Targets and Promising Strategies for Interventions.”

• Designing Community Interventions

• The Centers for the Application of Prevention Technologies

Critical Components of Prevention