ABSTRACT
Solutions for the health problems of our underserved citizens require a critical mass of efforts capable of supporting an appropriate mix of complementary interventions. This chapter examines the intellectual barriers to better care for minorities; reviews present health policy options, and deals with a possible agenda for action. The perception exist that conditions of poor health and poverty affecting minority groups are often due to personal neglect and that they could be avoided if there were a will to do so. In the area of Hispanic health, much of the stimulus and perseverance in promoting convergence of purposes must come from the Hispanic community. National and state initiatives to improve the access and quality of health care for underserved populations have had limited impact on Hispanics. The uncertain future and the predictable lack of growth of community health centers will have a negative impact on the delivery of health care to Hispanics.
