This guide provides an orientation to some of the steps required to build a healthy community coalition. But forming coalitions is only half the story; the other half is sustaining the initiative so that health conditions are truly improved. Assessing the community's needs, developing a shared vision, setting targets, and monitoring health improvements are all components of a successful initiative. Healthy People 2000 objectives are one of many tools that organizers can tailor to their community's specific needs. Using indicators, such as those contained in Healthy People, provides a scientific basis for local efforts to benchmark their progress. Those interested in building a healthy community are encouraged to lay the groundwork for taking specific actions that can be measured to show how their communities are healthier.

Work is already under way on national health promotion and disease prevention objectives for Healthy People 2010. These goals, objectives, and targets will help to guide health improvement efforts into the new millennium. The vision of Healthy People 2010 is "Healthy People in Healthy Communities" and recognizes that health improvement begins at home, in schools, in worksites, and in the community. To learn more about Healthy People 2000 or participate in the development of Healthy People 2010, visit our website: