This speech sketches a picture of post-natal health care in the United States, circa 1979. Between 1970 and 1976, post-natal infant deaths in the first week after birth dropped 32%. During the same period, the post-neonatal decline was just 12%. Statistics are presented which highlight areas of concern. Variation across states, high incidence in large cities, variation across countries, and the relatively high incidence of infant mortality in the United States are indicated. Figures related to birth hazards of black infants and mothers are given. Morbidity associated with the statistical picture is discussed in terms of an 18-year longitudinal study of two cohorts of births on the island of Kauai. In this study it was found that the reproductive and environmental infant casualties in Kauai amounted to about one-half of those infants conceived and about one-third of the live-born. Federal sources of health funds related to perinatal services are listed. Information relevant to grant application is provided. The presentation concludes with general information related to the improvement of health care services, an increase in available funds, and mandatory functions of the Health Services Administration. (Author/RH)