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This study analyzed the content of college and university Web site home pages to determine the frequency of marketing messages that might persuade adult learners to enroll at the institution. The findings suggest that colleges and universities in this study do not have adult-oriented marketing messages and are giving scant attention to the decision-making needs of prospective adult learners on their Web sites. The marketing generally appeals to career prospects rather than helping adults make decisions about their futures. The potential of Web marketing to help adults is not being realized. As a result, Web marketing presents the promise of higher education without helping prospective adult learners take the first steps down the pathway. Suggested Web site message improvements include designing messages that appeal to the needs and interests of adult learners; welcoming adult learners through textual content, visual displays, and ease of access to information; demonstrating how an institution will address adult learners' issues and interests; and convincing prospects that they will achieve their goals by completing their education at the institution. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

In Ohio, there has been a recent but concerted effort from the state health department down through the local health departments to complete community health assessment studies for the prioritization and delivery of health services in their respective communities. At the same time, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations has been actively encouraging hospitals to assess targeted communities prior to the delivery of community-based services. In a changing health care system that demands greater emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, new alliances are born of necessity, with collaborative products and benefits to all involved. A local health department and a community hospital in south central Ohio that was jointly owned by the city and county, in consultation with a neighboring state university, embarked on a 1 1/2-year study to define, prioritize, and plan service delivery for the community through Health Watch 2000. Six priority health areas based on national health objectives were determined along with subsequent health planning recommendations, leading to the ultimate goal of healthy people in healthy communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]