This paper examines how the changing economy of the Midwest region has affected and is expected to affect Latinos' health based on a review of the literature on the region's "deindustrialization" process, the participation of Latinos in the region's economy, and the effect of worker displacement, unemployment and poverty on health status. Due to lack of information specific to Latinos, the assessment on the effect of worker displacement on Latino health status is made by extrapolating from studies performed on other non-Latino populations which share, at least, some of the Latino socioeconomic experiences and characteristics. Based on the available evidence, the most plausible scenario is that the structural changes in the Midwest economy are contributing to a deterioration of Latinos' health status. The implications for policy-making and implementation are discussed. About the author: Dr. Roberto E. Torres is King/Chavez/Parks Visiting Lecturer at the Eastern Michigan University Health Administration Program and Research Associate with the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University. Dr. Torres holds a Ph.D. in SocioTechnological Planning with a specialization in health-care planning and administration.

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