Because financial, technical, and geographic constraints often limit the ability of health care providers to reach all children in need of care, especially in developing nations, some governments, donor agencies, and other development organizations are exploring the use of interagency collaboration to deliver health care services in schools. This…

Since the beginning of the recent revival of interest in rural schools, millions of dollars have been expended annually for country schoolhouses, and expenditures for this purpose have grown larger from year to year. Some of the newer buildings are large and relatively costly, but many, probably most, of them are built with little or no reference…

This article presents the major issues, trends, interpretations, and difficulties facing Primary Health Care (PHC) personnel in taking the drastic steps required to reform the health care system. The author argues that PHC aims to enable people to take responsibility for their own health and further the redistribution of resources. (SSH)

Instead of increasing institutionalization of the elderly, the author suggests increasing life enhancing programs with preventive health care. She discusses various health and social services in New York City, including outreach projects, day care programs for the elderly, and the value of senior center-hospital cooperative services. (MF)

Complex community health promotion programs are being held accountable for their effectiveness, but rural public health departments lack staff and expertise to carry out evaluations. In Kentucky, a university evaluation expert trains local public health staff in technical skills for program evaluation and provides ongoing mentoring and technical…

Provides an overview of the current state of health services in rural America and examines policy changes being made through Congressional action. Presents suggestions for further research and legislative actions. Discusses the role that individual psychologists can play in improving mental health services in rural areas. (MW)

Presents a conceptual framework that can be used to estimate the costs of prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Cost estimates that have been made are presented. It is obvious that preventing drug use or smoking should be a first priority of public policymakers. (SLD)

Peer counselors and staff members describe the "I Have a Future" Program at Meharry Medical College in Nashville (Tennessee). This program focuses on pregnancy prevention by providing education, health care, and increased life options; social skills training; an entrepreneurial program; and separate classes for African-American youth.…

Rates of overweight children and adolescents have nearly tripled over the past 30 years. Many barriers exist to healthy eating and physical activity for children and adolescents, including factors in the school and community environment. It is these modifiable school environmental factors that led to the development of the Nutrition Friendly…

Adolescent use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is currently increasing. Three out of four adolescents report regular drinking. Significant alcohol, inhalant, and cigarette use is reported as early as fourth grade, and alcohol experimentation increases from 6 to 17 percent between fourth and sixth grades. Adolescence is a high risk stage for…

During the years 1991-1995, through planning efforts in local communities, a successful model has been created for the implementation of the Colorado Comprehensive Health Education Act (1990). Three key components of the Colorado model are: (1) the establishment of local health advisory committees; (2) the administration of local needs…

This report presents information and opinions advocating for school-based health centers. Each section starts with a brief introduction and follows with quotations from leaders in the field. The leaders whose thoughts are captured here believe school-based health centers are part of the solution to increasing childhood and adolescent health…

Established in 1977 by the Diabetes Research and Education Act, the six Diabetes Research and Training Centers (DRTCs) located throughout the country offer resources for diabetes educators and other health professionals involved in treating or counseling people with diabetes. DRTCs provide continuing education, seminars, and workshops in…

This publication presents approved guidelines for Texas institutions of higher and postsecondary education in the academic preparation of practitioners in the field of fitness for health. Developed in response to the rapid growth of this field, the guidelines identify and recommend the knowledge and expertise required in career preparation, and…

This report updates and expands two earlier editions which describe Federal programs which affect children and their families. An introductory section discusses and presents tables of data concerning target groups and participation in the programs; program administration; and program funding. The bulk of the report consists of profiles of…