This book describes the process of developing comprehensive health education programs in rural areas. Six school districts in the Pacific Northwest teamed up with specialists from five universities, an educational service district, and a regional educational laboratory to develop the curricula. The book includes an introduction, a summary, and eight chapters. Chapter 1, "Exploring the Myths," explains that poor health and poverty affect rural, as well as urban, children. Chapter 2, "Another Voice," summarizes the Children's Defense Fund report on rural children. Chapter 3, "Reaching Out to Communities," highlights the focus of the health education programs in the various school districts. Chapter 4, "Miseries Large and Small," advocates a comprehensive health education program involving topics such as drugs, alcohol, and AIDS as well as nutrition and personal hygiene. Chapter 5, "Time, Resources, and the 'M' Word," discusses school support, money and other resources, and program effectiveness. Chapter 6, "A Field Guide," presents an action plan for developing a comprehensive health education program. Chapter 7, "Building Bridges, Seeking Support" discusses assistance from higher education and other outside agencies. Chapter 8, "What We Learned," updates the current status of the health education programs. The appendix contains two charts describing health education scope and sequence, a health education assessment tool, an outline of curriculum categories, a description of the people involved in the project and book, references and additional reading, a technical summary, and sources for more information. (KS)