The World Health Organization defines "health" as a state of well being, greatly influenced by the factors that create healthy communities. MAPP's goal is optimal community health - a community where residents are healthy, safe and have a good quality of life.

Using MAPP, community residents and others work together to achieve community health. MAPP helps individuals identify and use local resources, consider their specific circumstances and needs, and form partnerships. Community members collaborate to identify local health needs and the best methods for addressing them.

MAPP provides the framework for creating a truly community-driven initiative. It brings diverse community interests together to determine the most effective way to conduct public health activities.

Broad community participation is essential to the MAPP process because a wide range of organizations and individuals contribute to the public's health. Public, private and voluntary organizations join community members and informal associations in providing public health services.