The comment draft of Healthy People 2010 sets a goal of eliminating health disparities by race, ethnicity, age, gender, income, and disability status. Prior to each regional public hearing, discussions on this critical issue are helping to focus attention on the opportunities and challenges involved in attaining this goal. At the Philadelphia meeting, for example, presentations by the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, senior staff from the Office of Minority Health, and local representatives were followed by substantive exchanges with the public.

The HHS Initiative to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health provides a related opportunity to develop strategies and implementation plans in six specific health areas: infant mortality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and immunizations. Community involvement is considered essential for effective interventions. For more information about this initiative, visit http://raceandhealth.hhs.gov.