This study establishes a framework for the Department of Health and Human Services to improve the health of minority Americans. Examination of national data showed disparities between Black and White populations in life expectancy, infant mortality, several selected causes of death, and other indicators. While national data on the health status of Blacks are more compete, available data on Native Americans and Hispanics suggest that these three populations suffer a greater disease and mortality burden than Whites. Issues that influence the health status of minority Americans include health education, access to health care, and availability of health care professionals to minorities. Supporting papers are provided that examine: excess and deficit mortality due to selected causes of death and their contribution to differences in life expectancy of Spanish-surnamed and other White males in 1970 and 1980; the contribution of socioeconomic position to minority health; associations of health problems with ethnic groups in ambulatory care visits; nutritional status and dietary patterns of racial minorities in the United States; healthcare service delivery in Asian American communities; Asian-White mortality differences in excess deaths; and physical and mental health status indicators for Asian-American communities. Tables, figures, references, and appendixes