This volume critically examines the research base on health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities in order to inform and advance nursing science in this area. It was created with the support and input of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations, and incorporates the expertise of distinguished minority nurse researchers. The major groups discussed include: African-American,Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific. Differences in environment; access, utilization, and quality of care; and health status are addressed, as well as strengths of minority groups in promoting health and managing illness within current social and political contexts.