Current federal activities in school health education

In 1979, the Federal Government released a report, "Healthy People," that examined the major health problems and the associated preventable risks facing Americans. For the school-age population in particular, several problem areas are notable, such as violence (suicide and homicide), accidents, and drug and alcohol abuse. A number of risk factors related to personal behavior have been identified for these and other health problems facing young Americans. Comprehensive school-based health promotion programs have the potential to influence positively the health status of the school-age population. This article highlights some of the more important recent Federal activities related to school-based health education.