The challenge of "Healthy People 2000"

The federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (U.S. Public Health Service) has again prepared a compilation of goals and objectives for the health of the Nation's people, applicable to anticipated achievements within the decade ending in the year 2000. This effort involved work groups from numerous federal agencies, testimony in regional hearings from 800 citizens, and enrollment of a consortium of 300 national organizations. The final product, "Healthy People 2000," was released in September 1990, and contains 298 measurable objectives. Content regarding children, genetic disorders, developmental disabilities, and disabilities in general is less featured and less specific than was hoped for. Ten objectives of relatively direct concern to geneticists are discussed, plus 23 others of interest in the maternal and child health field. On balance, it is suggested that the Healthy People 2000 objectives can be useful and stimulating for workers in genetics, child health care, and disabilities' services. Regrettably, there was no simultaneous proposal of legislation that would provide new federal programs, funding, or assistance to states.