[Revitalization of the federal and state efforts to promote community-based primary care systems]

Progress toward a strengthened public health system is clearly emerging in the United States, but still faces a number of financial and functional barriers. There is no question, however, that the importance being placed on primary care systems is making a difference as more and more communities are seeking and implementing effective approaches that bring resources together in ways that work. That, of course, is the ultimate objective; that is, that all public agencies assure their constituents that their needed services are being provided in an affordable way.