This book provides the first systematic examination of community-based health promotion. Through a series of nine case studies, the book describes what community-driven health promotion means in practice, evaluates its potential for achieving improvements in the health of local residents, and presents promising strategies for initiating, nurturing and sustaining community-based efforts.

Relying on the findings from the evaluations of these initiatives, the book is able to make recommendations for effective practice for community-based organizations, as well as for supportive organizations operating outside the community (such as foundations, government agencies, and advisors such as universities and technical-assistance providers.)