How can environmental health perspectives be incorporated into public health system change? What were staff reactions to changing the health services model? How can interest in the statewide public health planning process be sustained? These are a few of the questions that led to a dynamic discussion at the Prevention 98: Translating Science Into Action conference held in San Francisco, April 2-4, 1998. A Turning Point team including Diana Bonta, Turning Point National Advisory Committee member (Long Beach, CA); Peggy DiManno, Healthy Capital District Initiative (Albany, NY); and Melanie Reynolds, Montana Turning Point Initiative presented a program at the conference, which offered a forum for physicians and other health professionals with special expertise or interest in disease prevention and health promotion. Naturally, this gave the Turning Point team an excellent opportunity to share their perspectives and efforts in transforming the public health system! Dr. Bonta outlined the national Turning Point initiative and its goals. Ms. Reynolds discussed Montana's efforts in public health improvement including developing a public health institute and developing alliances with key public health stakeholders, such as environmental health. Finally, Ms. DiManno described her partnership's efforts in changing how they deliver local health care services. The audience was especially interested in their shifting resources from primary health care services to population-based health services. The Turning Point team and conference participants had a fascinating dialogue about public health system change and strategies for making it a reality.

Melanie Reynolds is a member of the Montana State Turning Point Partnership. Four local communities in Montana are also Turning Point grant recipients.