I wrote this book to encourage policymakers, public health practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders to use community health assessment to reduce the burden of diseases and other health problems in their communities. It is a powerful tool that can enable them to use quantitative research methods to collect valid, reliable data and qualitative research methods to generate trustworthy data, to identify the hidden needs and assets that may motivate them to improve health problems in their communities, enhance population health, improve the conditions of people they serve, and bring positive social change in their communities.
The author used this book to demonstrate how community health assessment can help policymakers, public health practitioners, and other local stakeholders to develop effective policies and guidelines that may reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS in Durham County, North Carolina. It will motivate policymaker, public health professionals, other researchers, university students, business community, non-profit organizations, and faith-based organizations in all parts of the world to improve health problems or issues in their communities.