The Balanced Service System specifies functions required to eliminate mental disabilities and environments in which services can be provided. The model was tested in western Pennsylvania. Although the number of agencies serving the mentally ill doubled between 1960 and 1976, relative availability of each service component remained stable.…

Explored the leadership behavior of administrators in Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs). Consideration and initiating structure were significantly (negatively) correlated with CMHC effectiveness in this sample. Multivariate models that contained both of these dimensions and reflected administrative behavior on two organizational levels…

The University of Michigan Center for Continuing Education of Public Health Professionals was designed as a model for lifelong learning programs for community health practitioners. The Center concentrates on systematic client-centered assessment of continuing education needs and plans and operates programs through community health associates, who…

Describes advance arrangements, local preparations and results of lead poisoning testing done in rural southeastern Illinois. Results confirm that lead poisoning is not confined to urban areas. (HS)

Centerstone Community Mental Health, a private nonprofit agency based in Nashville, Tennessee, has responded to community needs by establishing new service programs to address them with whatever funding is available. Three described here are: an alternative school for students who cannot make it in public schools, school-based mental health…

Recent research on temperament and attachment theory highlights the importance of early intervention to helping children develop secure attachments and prevent mental illnesses. A mental illness curriculum for nursing students should integrate concepts from psychiatry and public health to prepare community-based for participation in intervention.…

A study of 22 health occupations students examined whether participation in an interdisciplinary community health empowerment project with urban homeless and formerly homeless people changed their attitudes about community health practice, attitudes toward people who are indigent and homeless, and perceived leadership skills. Posttests revealed a…

Changes in British social policy regarding community health care has implications for local education agency (LEA) providers of adult continuing education. LEAs will either have a role in providing staff training and other learning opportunities, will be forced to provide cheaper forms of community care, or will be ignored altogether. (SK)

A methodology for a client-centered assessment of human services needs in a community is described. While the procedures were developed for identifying service needs for substance abusers, with some modification, they can be used in a needs assessment for any social or health problem. (TJH)

The public health approach to suicide prevention consists of health-event surveillance to describe the problem, epidemiologic analysis to identify risk factors, the design and evaluation of interventions, and the implementation of prevention programs. Community suicide prevention programs should include more than one strategy and, where…

Among 161 Hispanic clients in the community mental health system of Seattle-King County (Washington), the dropout rate (after 1 session) was lower, and number of therapy sessions was greater for those who received services from Hispanic staff or at a Hispanic community mental health center than those who received services from non-Hispanic staff…

Describes one researcher's experiences as she interviewed rural families during a comprehensive survey of Johnson County, Tennessee. Discusses health care problems and needs, family support systems for the sick and elderly, fears about cancer risks, and the real picture of underemployment versus the official unemployment rate. (SV)

Discussion of decision making focuses on a study that was conducted to examine how policymakers at the local community level use social science information in making decisions. The use of social science information and other information sources in two communities examining health care issues is described. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Presents analysis and typology of community-based care for young Hispanic mother with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Develops conceptual framework that examines retrospectively needs generated by AIDS over time, appropriateness of services, and assessment of interventions. Presents conclusions regarding definition and implementation…

A capstone leadership course for students working toward a bachelor of science in nursing degree is designed to integrate traditional community-health nursing with leadership to foster the development of community-based competencies for the future. (JOW)