In 1996, the federal Office of Rural Health Policy awarded 3-year outreach demonstration grants to 25 projects to provide direct primary and preventive health care services to rural residents in 20 states. The grant program allows recipients to test innovative ideas against the challenges of rural health care delivery, such as provider shortages, geographic isolation, and uninsured or underinsured children and families. Recipients must form a consortium of three or more local and state agencies or institutions to work together toward project goals. All the projects in this funding cycle succeeded in their efforts, but the populations served and the models implemented were extremely diverse. Fourteen projects focused on the specific needs of infants, children, or adolescents. Among other populations, women were served specifically by 11 projects, minority groups (Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, or Amish) by 8 projects, and the elderly by 6 projects. Six projects focused their activities in rural schools. Eleven projects provided continuing education opportunities to health professionals. Health education, health promotion, or disease prevention were the focus of 11 projects, with topics such as substance abuse, smoking prevention, mental health, nutrition, and first aid. Descriptions of the 25 projects include population served, services provided, innovative features, results, potential for replication, plans for continued funding, and contact information. (Contains title and subject indexes, a glossary, and a project locator map.) (SV)