The Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) at Mississippi State University aims to stimulate the creation of new partnerships to enhance rural communities' capacity to address key health issues. In 1997, SRDC hosted a conference to develop the following: partnerships among land-grant universities, the health sector, and local citizens and leaders; share health planning resource tools; and explore strategies to ensure that rural areas maintain a viable health sector. As a result of the conference, state rural health teams were formed in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. This document contains minigrant reports from the six state teams. Each report includes an introduction, team objectives, activities, achievements, future plans, and contact information. In Alabama, a countywide Coosa County "family festival" focused on family health, parenting, and the particular needs of children. Arkansas team members participated in an intensive workshop on how to write and adapt health materials for low literacy individuals, and are developing a center to provide such materials on a continuing basis. The Kentucky team developed a resource directory of health services for Floyd County, addressed cultural awareness issues, and started a clearinghouse on health education issues. The Mississippi team established a mentoring program for at-risk teenagers in Jones County. The Oklahoma team guided Noble County community leaders through the process of making decisions to improve their health environment. The Texas team assessed health issues and related educational needs in Hunt County. (SV)