Adolescent health is a separate health topic for Healthy People 2020. Among the many health goals to be achieved for Healthy People 2020; is to increase the number of children and adolescents who have a positive connection with an adult (Burrus et al, 2012). Optimal health can best be achieved when children are in the care of a responsible adult. There are over 160 objectives aimed at the health of adolescents; from wellness checks to serious violent incidents in public schools (HealthPeople.gov website, 2013). Community health professionals have a unique opportunity to improve the health of the community and its constituents. Assessing health needs is a first step in understanding how to improve health risk and behaviors. There are challenges that may dissuade community professionals from implementing a health needs plan. These challenges will be discussed in this paper. Addressing these challenges will bring awareness and bring about positive change for the community in need. Using the nursing process will provide a strategy to promote health and empower the community (Syme, 2004). The aggregate group Children are our most precious resource. Health, education and well-being are essential to maintaining the health of children in the community. When examining this aggregate group it is important to understand the community in which they are raised. Ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic composition helps assess community health needs, risks, and potential behaviors. Children who begin their lives in a safe and healthy environment have a better chance of maintaining lifelong health. From childhood to adulthood; each s...... middle of paper......eventive Medicine, 42 (3), 316-326. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amerpre.2011.12.001 HealthPeople.gov website. (2013). http://healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020Kaminski, J.W., Perou, R., Visser, S.N., Smith, C.D., Danielson, M.L., Scott, K.G., ... Howard, J. (2013, June). Behavioral and social-emotional outcomes through age 5 of inheritance for children A public health approach aimed at improving developmental outcomes among children born into poverty. American Journal of Public Health, 103(6), 1058-1066. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2012.300996Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2011). Community/Public Health Nursing: Promoting the Health of Populations (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders.Syme, S. L. (2004). Social determinants of health: the community as an empowered partner. Retrieved May 19, 2014, from URL: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2004/jan/03 0001.htm