This unique contribution to the literature represents an important adjunct in developing comprehensive policies that will meet the health care needs of underserved communities in American society. The book is readable and contains useful documentation. Recommended as an important reference for all academic audiences interested in the politics and delivery of health care. Choice

Editors Woodrow Jones, Jr., and Mitchell F. Rice present a thorough analysis of the problems of health and health care particular to black Americans. The contributors to this work analyze the factor of race as it influences the availability, accessibility, and quality of health care. They focus on barriers to health care encountered by blacks, and attempt to differentiate the problems of the black community from those of other disadvantaged groups. Using epidemiological data, the initial chapters evaluate the general health of the black population. In subsequent chapters, the contributors examine particular problems of groups within the black community, problems which are based both on behavior and environment. The work concludes by assessing the adequacy of governmental response to the problems identified.