Collaboration with city agencies: a winning approach to community assessment.

Five graduate nursing students made a difference in the health of San Antonio citizens by conducting a community assessment as part of a standard clinical activity in their community health nursing course. The students and their professor were able to effect city-wide change for health protection and promotion through collaboration with the City of San Antonio Planning Department (CSAPD). By compiling information, linking organizations, and speaking before community groups about the importance of a fluoridated water supply, the students generated public interest and momentum, which resulted in a successful vote to add fluoride to the water supply.