This document summarizes a report on the health status of minority groups in Michigan. Mortality rates and health problems are analyzed for the following groups: (1) Blacks; (2) Hispanics: (3) Arab Americans; (4) Asian and Pacific Islanders; and (5) Native Americans. The following problem areas are discussed: (1) nutrition and hunger; (2) environmental hazards; (3) childhood problems; and (4) problems of the elderly. Excess minority deaths due to heart disease and stroke, homicide, cancer, infant mortality, alcohol and drug abuse, diabetes, and AIDS, is discussed. The systemic issues of access to care, jobs, and education are reviewed. The following interventions are summarized: (1) smoking prevention and cessation; (2) hypertension prevention and control; (3) diabetes education; (4) reduction of violence and injury; (5) reduction of low birth weight and infant mortality; (6) reduction of environmental hazards; and (7) nutrition improvement and access to food. The following recommendations for improvement are suggested: (1) establish an Office of Minority Health in the Department of Public Health; (2) improve the collection of data by State and local public health system, hospitals, and other health agencies; (3) encourage private business, labor unions, religious organizations, community groups, and civic groups to include minority health among their highest priorities; (4) fund special health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction programs; (5) expand awareness of minority health concerns and increase programs to provide educational opportunities in the health professions for minorities; and (6) identify and implement additional recommendations from recent task forces and advisory bodies which impact minority health. Statistical data are included on three graphs and two tables. (FMW)