Since 1972, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has been the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health. To further its mission of improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation strives to foster innovation, develop ideas, disseminate information, and enable committed people to devote their energies to improving the nation's well-being. As part of the Foundation's efforts to inform the public, To Improve Health and Health Care, the ninth volume in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Anthology series, provides an in-depth look into the programs it funds. Written for policymakers and practitioners, as well as interested members of the public, the series offers valuable lessons for leaders and educators developing plans for the coming years.

Stephen L. Isaacs is president of Health Policy Associates in San Francisco, California.

James R. Knickman is vice president for research and evaluation at The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, New Jersey