In order to direct its curriculum units at critical health issues facing the migrant population, Project HAPPIER (Health Awareness Patterns Preventing Illness and Encouraging Responsibility) conducted two surveys focusing on the health status of migrants and their needs for further health information. The present survey, with data from 109 migrant families in 9 states, focused on the incidence of illnesses during the last 12 months, environmental health factors, barriers to obtaining health services, perceptions of 65 selected illnesses, and treatments used for those illnesses. Respondents indicated a high incidence for both minor and major illnesses; they showed a strong desire for information, with one-third of the families wanting more information on each of the illnesses. Data on perceptions and treatments of illnesses showed areas of sophisticated knowledge and areas where information is badly needed. Health education should emphasize key disease processes, migrant control over their own health status, and knowing when to seek professional help for illness. Because of the socio-cultural diversity of migrants in the United States, this survey should be conducted with other special populations. Item-by-item analysis of responses, comparison of results with a related survey of health care providers, and the 11-page Spanish/English survey form are included. (JHZ)