Collaborating with private sector physicians: the example of childhood lead poisoning prevention

Collaboration between public and private health sectors to achieve public health goals can be difficult. The experience of childhood lead poisoning prevention programs in two cities where private practitioners dramatically increased blood lead screenings is used as an example of how successful collaborative relationships can be constructed. Seven action steps toward effective collaboration are offered: establish a rationale, document the problem, attend to logistics, clarify reimbursement, make known available support, build demand, and demonstrate leadership.