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 assessments; and (3) the design of local strategies and resources. The role of state agencies and organization is to support the local use of programs in policy, advocacy, awareness, training, and evaluation needs. Twenty-six local school communities involved in these initiatives were funded as pilot programs to plan or enhance their comprehensive health education efforts. The focus was to link them with the other components of their comprehensive school health programs. Project results demonstrated that this community-based "comprehensive" approach, connecting all components of the program and all grades, with students and staff within the school, and with parents and community resources made a difference not only in health related issues but also school performance and attendance. The Colorado model is described, along with programs in 20 schools. (ND)