Since 1972, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has been the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health. To further its mission of improving the health and health care of all Americans, it provides funds for demonstration projects, educational and communications activities, training, policy analysis, and research. As part of the Foundation's efforts to inform the public, To Improve Health and Health Care, the seventh volume in The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Anthology series, provides an in-depth look into the programs it funds. Written for policy makers and practitioners as well as interested members of the public, the series offers useful lessons for leaders and educators developing plans for the coming years. The cases discussed in To Improve Health and Health Care provide a critical analysis of the Foundation's activities and how it tackles health and health care issues. Written by the country's leading science and medical journalists, as well as experts from universities and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this volume includes chapters on The Fighting Back Program Join Together and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Containment of Health Care Costs The Teaching Nursing Home Program The Clinical Scholars Program Increasing Minorities in the Health Professions The National Health Policy Forum The Injury Free Coalition for Kids The Homeless Prenatal Program Response to Emergencies: September 11th, Bioterrorism, and Natural Disasters

Stephen L. Isaacs is president of Health Policy Associates in San Francisco, California.<BR>