Create a needs assessment outline that describes and documents the health status issue that your project will address and the targeted population it will serve.  The purpose of the needs assessment is to help reviewers understand the community and/ or organization (i.e., the population) that will be served by your proposed project.

The needs assessment document should describe the need for the project in the proposed locale and include baseline data on the prevalence and demographic characteristics of the targeted population as well as supporting racial/ethnic data.  The document should provide a description of the prevalence of health indicators (e.g., overweight, obesity) in the proposed geographic area.  It should describe the current availability of preventive health services that address the health issue in the targeted group.  In addition, discuss any relevant barriers in the service area that your project hopes to overcome.  You should also describe gaps in the current provision of services as well as gaps in knowledge and the capacity of health care providers and key public/ private community agencies to adequately screen, routinely assess, effectively intervene, and.or coordinate their efforts within a comprehensive network of preventative health services. 

Here is a suggested structure for your needs assessment outline.  It should be at least 3 pages, no more than 5 in length.

Health Status
Community Description
Needs Assessment
Community Link