This article describes a health education experiment with health counselors in two health administration districts in the State of Piaui, Brazil. Focusing on the Ministry of Health's Project for Social Control and People's Participation in Health, the article analyzes forms and contents pertaining to the issue of social control in the health field, under a situation where society is controlled by small groups detaining both power and wealth. The experiment showed the importance of constructing meanings concerning social control in day-to-day relationships between the community and health services and the strategic role of health professionals in developing health education activities.
Health Services; Health Education; Health Planning Councils