The Wellness Guide has shown effectiveness in reaching people of all income levels and many ethnicities. It was developed with extensive participatory research and uses best practices in health communication and health literacy. It was distributed to people throughout California. The eighth edition of the Wellness Guide (2004) integrates disability issues and was developed in English, Spanish, and Chinese, with a statewide advisory group of leaders in disability advocacy and focus groups with people with disabilities throughout the state.

The guide covers a broad range of user-determined topics, from parenting and health care to employment and nutrition. Readers are linked to websites and toll-free phone numbers where they can find more information or assistance.