This document reports findings on the current state of the health of young people in Missouri as documented in a study of school health. A strong recommendation is made for comprehensive school health instruction to help students learn life skills which entail self-esteem, effective communication, peer refusal techniques, decision making, and problem solving. Recommendations are made for four priority areas of action: (1) comprehensive school health instruction; (2) comprehensive school health services; (3) state agency/local coordination; and (4) family and community involvement. Model programs in each of these areas are briefly described. (JD)