After a quarter century of annual health reports in the city of Barcelona, this study documents the experience and draws some elements that may be useful in other contexts, specifying the analysis on the Health Report of 2008. We show the conceptual framework, the process of preparing the report, sources of information used and the contents. We evaluate the dissemination of the health report, both at the political level, as well as the media, professionals and the public. Furthermore, we examine the impact of the report as a tool for social change and planning.