Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 1
Mobilizing for Action through
Planning and Partnerships (MAPP)
Community Themes and Strengths
Assessment
Final Report
Report Date: April 10, 2014
“A healthy Nashville has a culture of well-being, where all people
have the opportunity and support to thrive and prosper.”
MAPP Vision Statement
2013
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 2
Acknowledgements
Healthy Nashville Leadership Council,
MAPP Advisory Body
Dr. Alicia Batson
Jeff Blum
Ted Cornelius (Chair)
Dr. John Harkey
Dr. Arthur Lee
Nancy Lim
Councilwoman Sandra Moore (Vice-Chair)
Brenda Morrow
Vice-Mayor Diane Neighbors
Dr. Freida Outlaw
Janie Parmley
Dr. William S. Paul
Dr. Marybeth Shinn
Dr. Susanne Tropez-Sims
Councilwoman Sheri Weiner
Ex-Officio Members
Captain Mike Hagar
Laura Hansen
Tommy Lynch
Leslie Meehan
Renee Pratt Metro Public Health Department Core Support
Dr. William S. Paul, Director of Health
Dr. Sanmi Areola
Tracy Buck
Dr. Celia Larson-Pearce
Keri Kozlowski
Stan Romine
Thomas Sharp
Chris Taylor
Brian Todd
Dr. Sandra Thomas-Trudo
Dr. Kimberlee Wyche
Metro Public Health Department Core Support
Dr. William S. Paul, Director of Health
Dr. Sanmi Areola
Tracy Buck
Dr. Celia Larson-Pearce
Keri Kozlowski
Stan Romine
Thomas Sharp
Chris Taylor
Brian Todd
Dr. Sandra Thomas-Trudo
Dr. Kimberlee Wyche
Community Themes and Strengths
Committee
Billy Fields
Brenda Morrow
Bryn Bakoyema
Dr. Celia Larson-Pearce
Chris Taylor
Courtney Wheeler
Dinah Gregory
Donna Kenerson
Dr. Freida Outlaw
Gary Gaston
Janie Parmley
John Patrick
Dr. Kimberlee Wyche
Laura Hansen
Renee Pratt
Tanya Evrenson
Doug Hausken
Reverend Theo Bryson
Yolanda Vaughn
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 3
Table of Contents
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Executive Summary …………..……………..…………… p 4
Assessment Process and Results ………………………………………………………………………………… p 8
Appendices ........................................................................................................................................ pp 16-23
A. Background – Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships
B. Consensus Building Workshop Results
C. Community Listening Session Script and Protocol
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 4
Executive Summary
Nashville is using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) community health
assessment process as the framework for convening a large variety of organizations, groups, and individuals
that comprise the local public health system in order to create and implement a community health improvement
plan. MAPP utilizes four assessments, which serve as the foundation for achieving improved community
health. They are:
Community Health Status Assessment
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment
Forces of Change Assessment, and
Local Public Health System Assessment
The Community Themes and Strengths (CTS) committee met over the course of four months to answer the
overarching CTS assessment questions:
What is important to our community?
How is quality of life (QoL) perceived in our community?
What assets do we have that can be used to improve community health?
The CTS committee was charged with gathering community thoughts, opinions, concerns, and solutions, as
well as feedback about QoL and community assets. Recognizing that any single approach could be insufficient
in reaching a broad cross-section of such a diverse population, the subcommittee selected the following three
methods to answer the assessment questions:
Electronic QoL Survey
Community Listening Sessions
Creation of Asset Maps Using 2-1-1 Data
The electronic QoL survey was created after reviewing the MAPP QoL survey provided in the MAPP
handbook. Committee members used the consensus building workshop, a Technology of Participation (ToP)
facilitated brainstorming process, to provide answers to the question, “What are the factors that ensure optimal
quality of life for all?” Similar responses were grouped together and given a descriptive title. In total, 11 groups
were created and they are:
1. Healthy Natural Resources 2. Accessible and Affordable Transportation 3. Meaningful Employment 4. Self-Determination 5. Equal Access to Basic Human Needs 6. Equal Access to Optimal Education 7. Affordable and Safe Housing 8. Physical and Mental Health 9. Connected and Engaged Community 10. Safe Community 11. Recreational Opportunities
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 5
The survey was open to the public for approximately one month. The committee chose to use a convenience
sample to collect information from readily-available respondents. Although the committee recognized that the
results of this type of sample could not be generalized to the entire population, effort was made to target
specific groups that otherwise might have been underrepresented. The survey was open to all Davidson
County resident ages 18 years and older. A total of 1,038 surveys were completed.
The CTS committee recognized the value of community listening sessions to gain a more in-depth
understanding of the issues that were most important to the community. Listening sessions were also viewed
as an effective tool to acquire meaningful input from community members who may have been less likely to
respond to the survey, such as those without access to a computer. The CTS committee chose to conduct four
community listening sessions in three targeted areas of Davidson County: Cayce Homes, Edgehill Community,
and the Nations. In order to promote consistency in data collection and reporting, a facilitation guide was
developed (Appendix D) and included standardized language including an overview of the listening session
process as well as the MAPP process. One individual conducted all but one of the listening sessions to ensure
consistency. In total, 32 Davidson County residents participated in the listening sessions.
The final data collection method used by the CTS committee was the creation of asset maps using 2-1-1 data.
With assistance from United Way and the Metropolitan Department of Planning, the CTS committee was able
to create asset maps that showed where gaps in services exist. The 2-1-1 data contains service providers that
are split into 16 different service categories. For each service category, the committee created two different
maps, one showing the service provider locations with census tract income levels, and the other showing the
service provider locations with census tract population. These asset maps helped to identify potential gaps in
service as well as areas that are saturated with providers.
Once all of the data was analyzed, the CTS committee members were asked to identify issues, assets, and
perceptions that stood out in the data, and they are as follows:
Assets Information from Asset Map Information from QoL Survey
Greenways and green spaces
I have access to parks and greenways where I can be physically active.
71% of respondents either Agreed or Strongly Agreed
Healthcare rich in Nashville
Located mostly in urban core, fewer assets in North and West Nashville
Structural access does not ensure life circumstances provide access
Can’t miss work
Hours of operation
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 6
Issues Information from Listening Sessions Information from QoL Survey
Lack of adequate recreational opportunities, especially for teens
Need more camps that are free for low-income families
Create exercise opportunities that are fun and engaging for all ages
Also need to do more for Senior Citizens. They often don’t have the transportation to get to community centers and are not able to “age in place”
Access to mental health / substance abuse resources
I have access to high quality mental health services in Davidson County.
37% of respondents selected Neither Agree nor Disagree
I have access to high quality substance abuse services in Davidson County.
58% of respondents selected Neither Agree nor Disagree
Meaningful employment
“We need more jobs in our area. Any kind of job.”
“We need access to Wi-Fi so that we can search for jobs.”
Youth jobs programs so they can be prepared for the real world
Need help for people looking for jobs, such as interview training and resume writing
I am able to find employment in my preferred area of interest
24% of respondents either Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed
There are enough employment opportunities in Davidson County?
43% of respondents either Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed
Access to basic human needs – Access to affordable food
Food in low-income areas is more expensive
$3 for a half gallon of milk as opposed to $1.99 in other areas
“We are in a food stamp area”
Need better transportation options to access fresh fruits and vegetables
Fifty Forward provides transportation to seniors
Nashville Mobile Market comes, but their stuff is too expensive
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 7
Transportation (Public Transit)
Needs to lower the cost to ride and add additional routes
The bus stop at Martha O’Bryan has been moved
Some bus stops are dangerous because they are right on the road
Some trips are very long because you have to go downtown first to get a different bus
I have enough access to affordable public transportation options in my neighborhood.
51% either Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed
I have enough access to affordable public transportation options in Davidson County.
52 % either Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed
Transportation (Walkability)
Lack of sidewalks / lack of connectivity
“Cars have no regard for kids going to school and seniors crossing street to go to grocery store, the cars almost run them over. People in wheelchairs have gotten hit.”
My neighborhood has well lit sidewalks for me to use.
65% of respondents either Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed
Transportation (Bikeability)
“Why does the Gulch have bikes and we don’t?”
Bikes provide additional transportation options to go to work or to the store
Perceptions Information from Listening Sessions Information from QoL Survey
Inequalities perceived by MDHA residents, specifically residents who are senior citizens
“Caucasians moved out but now they are coming back. Eventually, they are going to be coming back into OUR area and there’s nothing that we can do about it. Where are we going to go? There aren’t any jobs in the area!”
Lack of respect for senior citizens.
Senior citizens get very little in food stamps, can’t afford fruits and vegetables.
Communities desire opportunities for inter-generational connectedness
Mentoring opportunities
Help kids stay out of trouble
“Easy for kids to get into trouble, but it’s really hard for them to get out of it!”
People view Davidson County and their own neighborhood as safe
I feel safe in my neighborhood.
76% of respondents either Agree or Strongly Agree
I feel safe in Davidson County.
64% of respondents either Agree or Strongly Agree
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 8
Assessment Process and Results
The Community Themes and Strengths (CTS) committee met over the course of four months to answer the
overarching CTS assessment questions:
What is important to our community?
How is quality of life (QoL) perceived in our community?
What assets do we have that can be used to improve community health?
The CTS committee was charged with gathering community thoughts, opinions, concerns, and solutions, as
well as feedback about QoL and community assets. Recognizing that any single approach could be insufficient
in reaching a broad cross-section of such a diverse population, the subcommittee selected the following three
methods to answer the assessment questions:
Electronic QoL Survey
Community Listening Sessions
Creation of Asset Maps Using 2-1-1 Data
The electronic QoL survey was created after reviewing the MAPP QoL survey provided in the MAPP
handbook. Committee members used the consensus building workshop, a Technology of Participation (ToP)
facilitated brainstorming process to provide answers to the question, “What are the factors that ensure optimal
quality of life for all?” Similar responses were grouped together and given a descriptive title (Appendix B). In
total, 11 groups were created and they are:
1. Healthy Natural Resources 2. Accessible and Affordable Transportation 3. Meaningful Employment 4. Self-Determination 5. Equal Access to Basic Human Needs 6. Equal Access to Optimal Education 7. Affordable and Safe Housing 8. Physical and Mental Health 9. Connected and Engaged Community 10. Safe Community 11. Recreational Opportunities
The tables and charts on the following pages provide the information from the QoL survey. The survey received 1,038 responses.
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 9
Are you Male or Female? Survey
Response Davidson County
Male 30.2% 298
Female 69.8% 689
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Survey Response
Davidson County
Less than High School 0.1% 1
High School Diploma GED 3.3% 32
Some College 11.6% 114
2-year College Degree (Associates) 4.6% 45
4-year College Degree (BA, BS) 34.0% 335
Master's Degree 35.6% 350
Doctoral Degree or Professional Degree (MD, JD) 10.9% 107
Are you Male or Female?
Male
Female
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 10
What is your current marital status? Response Percent
Response Count
Single, Never Married 23.4% 228
Married 57.4% 559
Separated 1.3% 13
Divorced 15.4% 150
Widowed 2.5% 24
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Less than High School
High School Diploma GED
Some College
2-year College Degree(Associates)
4-year College Degree (BA, BS)
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree orProfessional Degree (MD, JD)
Single, Never Married
23%
Married 57%
Separated 1%
Divorced 16%
Widowed 3%
What is your current marital status?
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 11
3.00 3.10 3.20 3.30 3.40 3.50 3.60 3.70 3.80 3.90
How satisfied are you with your quality of life inyour neighborhood?
How satisfied are you with your quality of life inDavidson County?
How satisfied are you with your opportunities toengage socially with all people in your…
How satisfied are you with your opportunities toengage socially with all people in Davidson…
Using the rating scale provided, please answer the following questions:
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied
Neither Satisfied nor Unsatisfied Satisfied
Very Satisfied
How satisfied are you with your quality of life in your neighborhood? 34 108 100 486 257
How satisfied are you with your quality of life in Davidson County? 25 80 132 586 159
How satisfied are you with your opportunities to engage socially with all people in your neighborhood? 52 181 272 358 121
How satisfied are you with your opportunities to engage socially with all people in Davidson County? 30 123 318 414 96
In regards to Transportation, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Disagree
Neither Agree nor Disagree Agree
Strongly Agree
I have enough access to affordable public transportation options in my neighborhood. 223 274 186 229 72
I have enough access to affordable public transportation options in Davidson County. 219 292 210 196 59
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 12
In regards to Basic Needs, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement.
Strongly Disagree Disagree
Neither Agree nor Disagree Agree
Strongly Agree
I have the ability to meet my basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, and medicine. 26 58 39 393 459
In regards to Safety, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Disagree
Neither Agree
nor Disagree Agree
Strongly Agree
I feel safe in my neighborhood. 26 101 104 528 222
I feel safe in Davidson County. 18 125 212 542 76
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In regards to Employment, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Disagree
Neither Agree nor Disagree Agree
Strongly Agree
There are enough employment opportunities in Davidson County. 95 320 252 280 29
I am able to find employment in my preferred area of interest. 70 167 192 414 131
I earn enough money from my job(s) to support my household. 99 181 156 371 164
What is your race? Survey Response Davidson County
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.4% 4
Asian 0.7% 7
Black or African American 23.7% 233
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.2% 2
White 71.6% 703
More than One 1.7% 17
Other (please specify) 1.6% 16
In regards to Education, how satisfied are you with the following:
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied
Neither Satisfied nor Unsatisfied Satisfied
Very Satisfied
Number of public schools that serve your neighborhood. 41 134 349 387 71
Number of public schools in Davidson County. 30 127 406 361 53
The quality of education provided by the public school system in Davidson County. 189 355 271 133 34
Access to private schools in Davidson County. 38 121 475 268 74
Affordability of private schools in Davidson County. 180 283 430 71 15
The quality of education provided by private schools in Davidson County. 21 53 558 238 107
Access to higher education in Davidson County (Colleges, Universities, etc). 23 59 191 481 227
Affordability of higher education in Davidson County (Colleges, Universities, etc). 97 291 347 205 41
The quality of education provided by higher education institutions in Davidson County. 14 53 302 453 159
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In regards to Health, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Disagree
Neither Agree
nor Disagree Agree
Strongly Agree
I have access to high quality health care services in Davidson County. 28 44 71 559 283
I have access to high quality dental services in Davidson County. 38 71 98 520 258
I have access to high quality mental health services in Davidson County. 35 82 357 346 152
I have access to high quality substance abuse services in Davidson County. 24 58 566 232 96
There are mental health promotion, and early intervention supports in my community for children and adolescents (Consider school readiness programs, alcohol and tobacco prevention, and other wellness services). 48 163 514 217 35
It is important to me to have health providers that are racially, ethnically, and culturally similar to the people who live in my community. 35 110 320 339 174
I have no problem accessing healthy, fresh food in my neighborhood. 48 127 85 458 264
My neighborhood has well lit sidewalks for me to use. 342 292 66 212 71
I have access to parks and greenways where I can be physically active. 65 119 98 454 243
What is your annual household income? Survey Response Davidson
County
Less than $10,000 2.3% 22
$10,000 - $19,999 3.8% 36
$20,000 - $29,999 6.1% 58
$30,000 - $39,999 11.1% 106
$40,000 - $49,999 10.7% 102
$50,000 - $59,999 11.1% 106
$60,000 - $69,999 6.9% 66
$70,000 - $79,999 7.1% 68
$80,000 - $89,999 6.4% 61
$90,000 - $99,999 6.1% 58
$100,000 - $149,999 17.1% 163
$150,000 + 11.4% 109
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 15
In regards to Community Engagement, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Disagree
Neither Agree nor Disagree Agree
Strongly Agree
I believe my neighborhood is a good place to raise children. 40 117 174 465 191
I believe Davidson County is a good place to raise children. 27 74 210 542 135
I believe my neighborhood is a good place to grow old. 51 157 179 453 146
I believe Davidson County is a good place to grow old. 32 107 220 501 121
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Appendices
Appendix A
Background - Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships
Identifying Nashville’s public health issues and improving the community’s health and quality of life requires the
knowledge and experiences of all of those who live and work in Nashville. Nashville is using the Mobilizing for
Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) community health assessment process as the framework
for convening a large variety of organizations, groups, and individuals that comprise the local public health
system in order to create and implement a community health improvement plan. As a community-based and
inclusive process, MAPP provides an opportunity to build and maintain relationships with community partners
and Nashville residents. Community involvement throughout the process creates community ownership of
public health concerns and solutions.
Fig 1: MAPP Process Roadmap to Improved Health
From 1997 through 2001, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), in
collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developed MAPP. Prior to MAPP’s
inception, public health practitioners did not have structured guidance on creating and implementing
community-based strategic plans. In response, NACCHO and CDC created a process based on substantive
input from public health practitioners and public health research and theory. As a result, MAPP is a process
that is both theoretically sound and relevant to public health practice. (National Association of County and City
Health Officials, 2008).
Nashville has used many public health assessment tools in the past and was one of the first communities to
use the MAPP process for community health assessment and planning. Nashville was selected by NACCHO
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 17
as a MAPP demo site from 2001 until 2003, during which time the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council
(HNLC) was created as an overseeing body to help guide the MAPP process and prioritize strategic issues.
The HNLC is a mayoral appointed council, comprised of strategic thinkers and community leaders that is
convened by the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) to serve as the steering committee for the MAPP
process. MPHD serves as the lead agency for conducting the MAPP assessments and has established a core
support team, comprised of 11 members, diversely representative of the health department and its initiatives,
who will serve as leadership for the MAPP assessment teams. See page 12 for the Executive Order
establishing the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council.
Fig 2: MAPP Organizational Structure (2013-2014)
MAPP utilizes four assessments, which serve as the foundation for achieving improved community health. As
reflected in the organizational structure above, for this iteration of MAPP, Nashville has partnered with the
Nashville Food Policy Council to utilize information from their Food System Assessment to inform the strategic
issues in addition to the traditional four MAPP assessments. These four assessments are:
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment: Provides community perceptions of their health and quality of life, as well as their knowledge of community resources and assets.
Local Public Health System Assessment: Measures how well public health system partners collaborate to provide public health services based on a nationally recognized set of performance standards. The Local Public Health System Assessment is completed using the local instrument of the National Public Health Performance Standards Program.
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 18
Community Health Status Assessment: Measures the health status using a broad array of health indicators, including quality of life, behavioral risk factors, and other measures that reflect a broad definition of health.
Forces of Change Assessment: Provides an analysis of the positive and negative external forces that impact the promotion and protection of the public’s health.
Fig 3: MAPP Process
Once strategic issues are identified, the HNLC will formulate goals, strategies and an action plan for
implementing the strategies.
This approach leads to the following:
o Measurable improvements in the community’s health and quality of life;
o Increased visibility of public health within the community;
o Community advocates for public health and the local public health system;
o Ability to anticipate and manage change effectively; and
o Stronger public health infrastructure, partnerships, and leadership.
Healthy Nashville Leadership Council Executive Order
Article I. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 025
Section 1.01 THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON
COUNTY
Section 1.02 KARL F. DEAN, MAYOR
SUBJECT: Healthy Nashville Leadership Council
I, Karl Dean, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby amend former Mayor Purcell Executive Order No. 019 and find, direct and order the following:
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 19
I. The Metropolitan Government desires to improve the health of its citizens by assessing citizen’s health status, the current health systems available to provide essential services, and potential forces of change affecting citizen health and establishing strategic priorities for health improvement; and
II. Much of the chronic disease burden is preventable and the underlying contributors to chronic diseases include unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use; and
III. Community-wide action is necessary to improve health, including action by individuals, families, schools, employers and businesses, community groups, religious communities, and government; and
IV. The Healthy Nashville Leadership Council has been successful in drawing community-wide attention to and encouraging ownership of important public health problems and their solutions.
1. Healthy Nashville Leadership Council: There is a Davidson County citizens’ council called the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council (hereinafter Council).
2. Council’s duties: The Council shall be charged with: a. Assessing the health status and quality of life of Davidson County residents, assessing health systems for essential services, and assessing potential forces of change, and b. Establishing strategic priorities and mobilizing community initiatives to achieve improvements in health.
3. Council members: The Council shall be composed of eighteen (18) members appointed by the Mayor. a. One of the members shall be a member of the Metropolitan Board of Health; and b. One of the members shall be the Director of Health or her/his designee. c. Other appointees to the Council shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of health care organizations, community organizations, and other interested community members. d. Members of the Council shall be appointed with a conscious intention of reflecting a diverse mixture with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, and age.
4. Terms for Council members:
a. With the exception of the Director of Health, the regular term of a member of the council shall be three (3) years. b. However, of the initial membership of the Council, five (5) members will serve one (1) year, six (6) members will serve two (2) years, and six (6) members will serve three (3) years so that the terms are staggered as to replace no more than one third (1/3) of the members each year. [Note: The Mayor will designate the term length for each initial Council member at the time of appointment.] c. Members of the Council shall continue in office until the expiration of the terms for which they were respectively appointed and until such time as their successors are appointed, unless a member is administratively removed from the Council pursuant to section 10 below.
5. Vacancies: A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as a regular appointment.
6. Compensation: Members of the Council shall not be compensated for services rendered.
7. Chair: The Mayor shall appoint a chair from among the members.
8. Officers: The Council shall elect other officers as the Council finds necessary and appropriate.
9. Quorum: A quorum for approving decisions by the Council shall consist of a majority of the currently filled positions on the Council.
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10. Removal of Members: A member who fails to attend three (3) or more meetings in a calendar year will cease to be a member absent a vote of retention by the Council.
11. Staff: The Metropolitan Public Health Department shall provide staff support for the Council.
Ordered, Effective and Issued:
Karl F. Dean Mayor
Date: March 17, 2008
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Appendix B
Consensus Building Workshop Results
Healthy
Natural
Resources
Accessible and
Affordable
Transportation
Meaningful
Employment
Self-
Determination
Equal
access to
Basic
Human
Needs
Equal
Access to
Optimal
Education
Affordable
and Safe
Housing
Physical
and Mental
Health
Connected
and
Engaged
Comm
Safe
Community
Recreational
Opportunities
Health of our
Natural
Environment
Transportation Meaningful
Work
Freedom to
Make Choices
Basic
Needs Met
for
Everyone
Good
Education
Affordable
& Safe
Housing
Access to
Affordable
Health Care
Shared
Community
Ownership
Safety Parks and
Open Spaces
Transportation Living Wage /
Economic
Opportunities
Self Determine
Quality
Access to
Ample &
Nutritious
Food, &
Clean
Water
Proper
Education
Adequate
Housing
Good Health Sense of
Community
Safe and
Secure
Comm
Opportunities
to "Play"
Basic Trans Employment &
Opportunity
Equal
Access
Access to
Educational
Opp
Affordable
Housing /
Adequate
Shelter
Access to
Health Care
Senior Citizen
Engagement
Transportation /
Transit System
Economic
Stability
Social
Interaction
(Family
Friends,
Church, etc)
Availability of
Quality Jobs &
Promotional
Opportunities
Strong
Families
Awareness of
Services
Available
What are the factors that ensure optimal quality of life for all?
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 22
Appendix C
Community Listening Session Script and Protocol
(To gather before the meeting: note paper, writing utensils, enough chairs for participants, water/refreshments
for participants, any handouts containing information about the project)
Welcome:
Welcome everyone. Thank you so much for coming out tonight/today to participate in this important project. My
name is ________________ and I work at _____________________. I am going to give you a quick overview
of why we are here, but first I want to take care of some housekeeping items.
*For Children Ages 14-17 Only*:
I must have your Informed Consent document that has been signed by your parent or legal guardian
I’m going to now pass out this assent form. Please read through this document and sign your name if you wish to participate in this listening session. Without your signature, you will not be able to participate.
Housekeeping: Here is the time to make announcements about any logistics. Some examples are:
The session will last approximately 1 hour and is open to Davidson County residents’ ages 18 years and older.
Please raise your hand if you do not live in Davidson County. Please raise your hand if you are not 18 years of age or older. If you haven’t already, please help yourself to refreshments. The bathrooms are located___________________ This is _______; he/she will be taking notes during our session. Silence cell phones
Project Overview:
This listening session is designed so that you can share your opinions about issues that affect your quality of
life. Several factors can affect a person’s quality of life, including but not limited to; access to quality education,
perception of safety, access to fresh fruit/vegetables, access to health care, etc. The affects can be positive or
negative, and there are no “wrong answers.” These are your opinions. The information gathered today will be
added to other listening session information, as well as data gathered from the quality of life survey that is
being shared throughout Davidson County. Please be aware that this session is voluntary and will not be
recorded using audio or video equipment. We will not record your name, address, or any other identifiers.
This listening session is being conducted by the Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Committee in
partnership with the Metro Public Health Department as a part of the community health assessment process
known as Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP). MAPP is a strategic approach to
improving community health and quality of life through community-wide strategic planning. In front of you is a
MAPP one pager that explains more about this process.
Do you have any questions at this point?
Group discussions questions:
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment Report | 23
Ok, we are about to begin, but I do want to mention a couple things very quickly. This is going to be an informal
discussion, and we want to hear your ideas, experiences and opinions. I’m going to request that we let
everyone have a chance to speak, and please do not interrupt someone who is already speaking. Also,
please turn your cell phone on vibrate or off. The goal today is to have everyone’s opinions heard. If
you have any questions during the session, please feel free to ask me.
Is everyone ok to begin? Great, let’s get started.
1. What do you consider to be an optimal (best) quality-of-life? a. What do you consider to be important to the well-being of the community?
2. What do you believe would help improve your quality-of-life? 3. What do you consider to be strengths related to quality-of-life within your neighborhood / community? 4. What are the obstacles or challenges related to quality-of-life within your neighborhood / community?
a. Are you aware of any available services that address these obstacles / challenges? 5. What changes have you noticed in quality of life for those who live in Davidson County? 6. What is the most important change that could happen that you believe would benefit the quality of life
for you as well as your community? To Finish Up:
Review the major topics and themes covered
Make sure everyone is ok with the opinions expressed
Talk about next steps of the process o A report will be written up that includes all of the information for the listening sessions, as well
as the survey. Once this report is completed, it will be posted online at www.healthynashville.org/MAPP
Thank everyone for their participation!