CARDES was developed and evaluated in cooperation with Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Using a randomized two-group design and a 12-24 month follow up, serum cholesterol and blood pressure levels of persons counseled with the CARDES program were compared with values for a control group receiving usual care. Process measures described adherence outcomes and determinants. Secondary outcomes related to CVD risk factor status were also evaluated. Prior to the evaluation, a pilot study determined the best sequence for delivering the information related to dietary change (i.e., Na first, fat/cholesterol first, or concurrent). Subsequent to the evaluation and prior to development of the final system and dissemination plan, an assessment was made of the potential utility of CARDES with other black populations with low literacy skills.