AIRS Community Needs Assessment and Outreach Flashcards

AIRS standards recommend that outreach plans be reviewed and updated:

Answer: Periodically to reflect changing community demographics and needs

Regular updates to outreach plans ensure strategies remain relevant as community demographics, service landscapes, and client needs evolve.

Which federal legislation most directly supports the need for I&R outreach to older adults in the U.S.?

Answer: The Older Americans Act (OAA)

The Older Americans Act funds and mandates outreach and information services specifically targeting older adults across the U.S.

In community outreach, the 'digital divide' refers to:

Answer: Unequal access to internet and digital tools among different population groups

The digital divide describes disparities in technology access that can exclude low-income, rural, or elderly populations from online I&R services.

An I&R agency expanding outreach to rural communities should prioritize:

Answer: Partnering with local libraries, churches, and rural service organizations

Existing trusted institutions in rural communities—libraries, faith organizations—serve as effective access points for reaching isolated populations.

How should I&R agencies address social determinants of health in their community needs assessments?

Answer: Include factors such as housing, income, transportation, and food security

Social determinants—housing, income, food, transportation—directly impact health outcomes and must be included for a comprehensive needs assessment.

When documenting outreach activities, AIRS-certified specialists should record:

Answer: All outreach events, audiences reached, and follow-up actions taken

Comprehensive documentation of all outreach activities supports accountability, reporting to funders, and continuous improvement of outreach strategies.