What is a Needs Assessment primarily used for?

The primary purpose of a Needs Assessment is to collect and analyze data on current conditions within a specific community or population. This process involves identifying gaps between the current state and desired outcomes, which can inform program planning and resource allocation. By analyzing existing data and conditions, prevention specialists can better understand community needs, the issues they face, and the strengths available to address these challenges. This foundational understanding is critical for developing effective prevention strategies and interventions tailored to the specific needs of the community.

Other options do not align with the broad objectives of a Needs Assessment. Evaluating individual student performance is more focused on educational assessments rather than community-wide needs. Creating volunteer opportunities is an outcome that could arise from understanding community needs but does not capture the core function of a Needs Assessment. Lastly, assessing only local event participation overlooks the wider scope of data collection needed to comprehensively determine community needs and priorities.