Book excerpt: Written to provide students with the essential program planning skills that they'll need in public health practice, Introduction to Public Health Program Planning offers an accessible and engaging approach to the program planning process. Divided into 3 parts, Introduction to Public Health Program Planning begins with an introduction to the basics of planning, health determinants, and behaviors. It then offers in-depth discussion of the generic planning phases - from assessing needs and planning to implementing and evaluation. The third section explores the four most commonly used planning frameworks, along with three additional planning frameworks that address specific health issues. A final chapter offers guidance on choosing a planning framework.