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