This paper examines the current health status of the Latino population in the Midwest region based on the available data. There is a critical lack of data on health status and health-related issues of Latinos in the Midwest. Statistics indicate that heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death in this population. There are also indications that diabetes, cirrhosis, mental illnesses, hypertension, arthritis, substance abuse, AIDS, homicide and infectious diseases represent serious threats to the health of Latinos. Maternal and child health seems to be poor in many respects. Improvements on the Latino health status will require not just health programs tailored to their particular needs but, even more important, an active participation in the labor force within the Midwest economy.

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