Five agencies of the Public Health Service (PHS) joined with PHS Hispanic employees and other Hispanic health specialists to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Week by critically examining health issues of particular relevance to Hispanics. The first day the forum sought to define, from an Hispanic perspective, issues relating to health statistics, health manpower, health planning, utilization of health care, and health research. Following introductory statements and a keynote address, participants selected attendance at five workshops, where intensive deliberations took place. The workshops examined adequacy of the health care system in meeting needs of the Hispanic population, obstacles to development of Hispanic manpower in the health field, barriers to access and utilization of health services by Hispanics, Hispanic cultural factors in substance abuse and mental health, and some of the problems that must be solved for a more fruitful interaction between the Hispanic community and the National Institutes of Health. The second day was devoted to an overview of Hispanic culture, past and present. The forum closed with a panel discussion among four Hispanics from different geographical regions and orientations, pointing out differences and commonalities. Recommendations cover the five issue areas plus community and migrant health centers. Keynote addresses for each workshop are included, as well as a supporting bibliography of 345 references. (BRR)