This paper describes the two year old Consumer Education in Comprehensive Health Planning Program. The paper records the steps involved in organizing and carrying through this innovative health program, the major part of which was designed and implemented by members of a health oriented community organization in Harlem in conjunction with the Program of Continuing Education, Columbia University, School of Public Health. A chronicle of events leading up to the writing of a request for specific funds to provide education for health consumers provides a background to the description of the actual courses included in the program. The three courses extended over a period of 6 months. Various methodologies were used. Group dynamics was used often, but there was no sensitivity training. Class sessions were problem oriented and dealt with specific questions. Lecture/discussions were used frequently. Briefly described, the courses were: (1) Communication: the objective of this course was to help the participants improve their interpersonal relationships at home, in the community and business, especially in the health field, (2) Administration: the course was developed to serve as a vehicle for maximizing the consumers' participation in the decision making that affects the health of the community, and (3) Economics and Politics of Health: the purpose of the course was to aid the participants in their development of insight into the political aspects of health, from the financing to the organization of services. Effects of the Harlem consumer education courses were felt in the spring of 1973. The Comprehensive Health Planning Committee was selected and of the 23 providers and consumers on that committee, 10 of the consumers had attended one or more of the consumer education courses. Many other participants are now serving more effectively on patient councils or advisory boards for local hospitals and other health providers in the area. Another effect has been in the interest aroused in community groups in other areas of the city for similar courses. (Author/AM)