Enhancing systems objectives for the year 2000

In summary, systems objectives would provide an ecological perspective that would help to (1) avoid emphasis on mortality statistics, (2) enable the nation to address a broader range of problems including mental and social dimensions, (3) provide for greater efficiency in meeting the objectives by emphasizing systems that address a broad range of health problems, (4) support continuation of successful programs which are still needed, and (5) facilitate development of programs or responses to health problems with recognition of the great diversity of the physical and social environment where problems exist. Federal public health efficacy could be improved significantly if these systems objectives were incorporated into the nation's health objectives for the year 2000.