The Task Force on Community Preventive Services is developing a Guide to Community Preventive Service, (the Guide). Based on available evidence the Guide will summarize the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of population-based interventions for prevention and control, and provide recommendations for people who plan, fund, and implement population-based services and policies. On behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is coordinating support to the Task Force from governmental agencies, voluntary and professional groups, managed care organizations, and academia to develop and implement the Guide. Publication is targeted for the year 2000. Individual components will be published when completed.