The designated leaders of maternal and child health (MCH) in more than 70 major urban city and county health departments submitted profiles of urban MCH efforts as a requirement for federally subsidized attendance. When these profiles were reviewed, eight broad themes were apparent as lessons from MCH practice. The lessons are: (1) drawing in people and organizations from other sectors is a resource for community connections; (2) never underestimate the role of the community in identifying possible solutions; (3) collaboration with other sectors requires communication skills and is enhanced by common policies and procedures; (4) work to break down language barriers; (5) time to find and secure funding is often disproportionate to the scope of work; (6) data and information offer new and greater opportunities for successful project outcomes; (7) staff is a health department's biggest asset; and (8) planning, persistence, and long-term efforts are necessary for successful, sustainable outcomes. (SLD)