What is a Needs Assessment?

JSI, a public health research and consulting organization, has been hired by the cities of Pleasanton, Dublin, and Livermore to conduct a Human Services Needs Assessment in the Tri-Valley. Using quantitative and qualitative data, this Needs Assessment will highlight the important services already provided in the community and will identify gaps in services. 

• Needs Assessments are used to understand the unique qualities of a given community including its strengths and opportunities for growth. Needs Assessments often utilize both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a representative depiction of a community. 

• Quantitative data is data that can be counted, measured, or given a numerical value. In this needs assessment, the quantitative data we are collecting includes demographic information, such as race, ethnicity, age, income, employment, marriage status, etc. Quantitative data can be collected through surveys, existing data sets such as census data, data from local organizations and county agencies, and other data sources. 

• Qualitative data is descriptive and collected through focus groups, interviews, and conversations. This data is not numerical and can be observed and recorded. Qualitative data provides insights into data that cannot be collected quantitatively and provides a space for community members to share their experiences.