The thrust of the EM program will be to present to the Marshallese the concepte of radiation, such as the radioactive element, the way radiation interacts with livinc things, what the EM program is doing on the island, the type of analysis it makes a ‘the island, and in the US, what the results are and what they indicate, why scien. ists ‘change their statements with time, and finally, the importance of Federal standards on "radiation and how they come about using them in reference to their living on the island. Eventually, we will establish a two way dialogue that will lead to an info med educational perspective on the nature of the radiation problem as well as the endeavors ‘of BNL in their interest. Summary A combined presentation of the environmental (radiological) and medical educational programs to the Marshallese will, a. clear the misunderstandings that radiation is not a poison, that it is easy to recognize and measure with the instruments used by scientists, and that the levels present today on their islands are not hazardous, b. serve to minimize groundless fears and assure the people that through discussions, they could learn to express their concerns and expect to receive answers that are meaningful to them, -C. prepare them to help make a decision, based on “informed consent", about living on an island where radioactivity will continue to exist far beyond their life expec- tancy, da. give the people an identifiable forum for interacting with the BNL Medical and Environmental programs, @. meet the needs for medical programs already requested by Rongelap and Utirik and expected on Enewetak and Bikini, and f. put into prespective for all Marshallese their responsibility for maintenance of health since they will be active participants. This unique experience has revealed the machinations of the unusual drama between the forces of ignorance and fear on the one hand and knowledge and trust through education on theother. All of you gathered here attest to the role that education has