How to Use the Information
You have been collecting information that you will use throughout the process to locate and reach your community’s at-risk populations. You need to be able to manage the information in a way that can grow as you acquire new data, contacts, characteristics, and other details.
Develop a database. A database is one of the best ways to record information so you can track multiple factors, share data with others, and keep information current. Record specific demographic information about key contacts at organizations and government agencies including:
A database template in the list on the eToolbox page illustrates different headings and information categories to get you started.
- Names
- Phone and fax numbers
- E-mail addresses
- Postal addresses
Your database does not have to be complex. You can use a simple table in word processing software to organize the information that you collect. If you want to plan for a more robust database and have information technology (IT) staff to help you develop, build, and plan for future growth of your database, including them now in your planning activities will be beneficial. If they are involved from the beginning and understand your goals, they will be better able to help you anticipate ways to organize the data so that it will be most useful as you expand your database.
