Too many racial/ethnic minorities do not reach their full potential for a healthy and rewarding life. This paper addresses the social determinants that impact, either directly or indirectly, child and adolescent health disparities. Understanding the role social determinants play in the life course of health status can help guide educational interventions and public policies in reducing racial/ethnic health disparities. We can no longer place the responsibility for adverse health outcomes solely on individuals and expect programs based primarily on individual health behaviors to eradicate the considerable racial/ethnic health care disparities that continue to exist in the United States today. (Contains 3 figures and 1 table.)