This study establishes a framework for the Department of Health and Human Services to improve the health of minority Americans. Results indicate that 40 to 47 percent of the total annual Black deaths from all causes were calculated to be excess deaths or unnecessary deaths. Homicide and unintentional injuries are responsible for excess deaths among Blacks, accounting for 35 percent of excess deaths under the age of 45, and 18.5 percent of excess deaths under the age of 70. Homicide and unintentional injuries persist as important contributors to excess deaths among Hispanics and Native Americans as well. Suicide among certain minority groups also was included in the study investigation. In order to measure the health status differences between minorities and nonminorities, the method used quantified the number of deaths that would not have occurred had mortality rates from intentional or unintentional injuries among minorities equaled those of nonminorities. Identified within this study are seven major areas of excess deaths from violent causes in minority population: Black male homicide, Black Female homicide, Hispanic male homicide, Native American deaths due to unintentional injury, Native American suicide, and Chinese female suicide. Also discussed are preventive intervention strategies appropriate for implementation by the public health community and by others with particular attention to the needs of minority Americans. Tables and figures