Preventing adverse outcomes: a population focus

This article discusses the concept of risk from an epidemiological viewpoint as well as that of vulnerable populations. Three components of resource availability are pertinent to the concept of risk of a population: social status, social capital, and human capital. These components are illustrated through an example of a project to reduce preventable adverse health outcomes and increase competency in self-care among residents of an inner-city community. Activities and outcomes of the project are discussed.