The study was part of an NHLBI initiative on Collaborative Projects (R01s) on Minority Health. The 1993 Report of the Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, encouraged the NHLBI to establish minority centers to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The concept for the initiative was developed by Institute staff and approved by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council in September, 1992. The Institute-wide Request for Applications was released in October, 1992.