On September 15, Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala released "Healthy People 2010 Objectives: Draft for Public Comment," which proposes more than 500 national objectives for improving the health of Americans by the year 2010. First began in 1979, Healthy People, a national initiative to prevent disease and foster better health, is widely used as a strategic management tool by the Federal Government, States, and local communities. This latest incarnation, which succeeds Healthy People 2000, reflects recent advances in science and medicine, as well as emerging public health challenges. The working draft has been placed online specifically to promote public comment and input. Users are encouraged to submit their comments at the site or via surface mail until December 15, 1998. The final report will be issued January 2000.