This target setting method supports the goal of eliminating health disparities and improving health for all segments of the total population. For those measures contained in the HHS Initiative to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health, the targets are set at A better than the best. For objectives for which it is unlikely to achieve an equal health outcome within 10 years by applying known health interventions, the target is set at levels that represent improvements for a substantial proportion of the population. These targets are regarded as minimally acceptable improvements. Explicit recognition is made that population groups already better than the identified target should continue to improve.
Measurable objectives cite the data source for the baseline.
Each objective is placed in only one focus area, meaning there are no duplicate objectives in Healthy People 2010. There are, however, numerous linkages among focus areas, and these are represented in the list of related objectives from other focus areas. Related objectives are not included in the clearance draft but will be added in the final edition. Terminology Terms are set up as dictionary definitions in alphabetical order. These definitions enable the reader to understand the concepts used in the chapter.