People with low incomes and low literacy skills often have limited access to health care information. Popular education, participatory research techniques, and community-based partnerships between literacy programs and health educators and providers are methods that improve both health and literacy outcomes. (SK)

In New Orleans, nursing faculty and students partnered with inner-city schools and churches to mobilize neighborhood assets and improve health care. Students learned community assessment skills and worked with empowered citizens who reclaimed their health resources. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

The relationship between service intensity and improvement in general psychological well-being was investigated at a Community Mental Health Center staffed primarily by Blacks and serving a Black clientele. Results for 145 Black, 18 White, and 12 other clients indicate a nonlinear relationship between level of services and patient improvement.…

Reports survey responses from administrators of 23 urban and 25 rural, federally funded, primary health care projects in 6 midwestern states. Compares urban and rural projects regarding patients' social problems, staffing patterns, referrals to other agencies and community groups, and present and projected social services. Contains 16 references.…

Reorganization of data from a 1986 study of home care client placement for the elderly (N=18) allowed for user-specific reports to a variety of interested groups in the affected community. The techniques used to adapt and present the data are outlined. A short bibliography is appended. (TJH)

It is suggested that Community Mental Health (CMH) should be more involved in the development of comprehensive behavioral services, which is now taking place outside the traditional mental health environment. Implications for CMH planning and financing are discussed, drawing upon a selective literature review and clinical illustrations. (SLD)

Examined postproject, career-mobility potential of seven outreach workers who worked for federally funded community Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevention project. Descriptive findings suggest that such projects can significantly improve lifetime vertical career mobility patterns for particular indigenous personnel and that their…

Assessed extent to which diagnostic confusion exists in referrals for assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to community mental health centers. Provided comprehensive evaluations to 92 children with previous diagnosis of ADHD. Only 22% of sample were given primary diagnosis of ADHD. Substantial numbers of children were…

A survey of 177 nurse educators indicates they have more knowledge of primary health care than hypothesized; those with work experience beyond acute care have more knowledge. Nurse educators must be prepared to revise nursing curricula and teaching strategies in terms of community-based primary-health-care knowledge and skills. (JOW)

This theme issue provides a summary of six evaluations of home-visiting models that have been implemented nationally. These model programs represent home-visiting programs across the country that help parents provide children with the best start in life. (SLD)

Describes the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, a parent-education program that includes home visiting and reports the results of evaluations of two randomized trials of PAT. Results from one of the studies suggested that home visits produced about a one-month developmental advantage per 10 visits for participating children. (SLD)

Brigham Young University's nursing curriculum was revised to reflect the community-driven nature of primary health care. Curricular threads of inquiry, practice, stewardship, spirituality, and service are the framework for integrating community health nursing practice. (SK)

A parent advocate and an agency professional suggest 10 steps for successful partnerships in family-based care, the basis of which is empathy for another's situation. Some of steps include being honest; facing and discussing fears; acknowledging cultural differences; maintaining a healthy sense of humor; and agreeing to disagree and mutually…

Illustrates several key cultural perspectives that must be considered in order to overcome communication barriers when providing culturally competent family services. Describes the challenges encountered by Hmong and other Southeast Asian families at a parent center. Presents an account of a Hmong father's experiences seeking care for his child…

This paper outlines and reflects on current procedures in Israel for requesting a late termination of pregnancy (LTP) and the subsequent decision-making processes, using data collected in 1995-97 from 183 women. Discusses the responsibility of the health system and social workers to address the need for enhanced support for women requesting LTPs.…