As a result of a survey of 2,322 Houston adults, a nine-phase methodology was used to design a program of public education about cardiovascular disease (CVD). Survey results indicated that Mexican Americans were significantly less knowledgeable than Anglos concerning the impact, nature, and control of CVD. Many Mexican Americans could not recognize CVD as the major cause of death in the United States, define "arteriosclerosis," identify CVD risk factors, or identify the warning signals of a heart attack. Many Mexican Americans did not perceive CVD as a personal health threat nor feel they could control their own health. However, Mexican Americans and Anglos reported similar health care practices. Many respondents relied on mass media for health information but considered doctors a more accurate source. The resulting community health information program of television public service announcements was intended to increase awareness of and response to CVD by Houston's Mexican Americans. Applicable to other health programs, the methodology used to design the program involved identifying the target audience, identifying program goals and objectives, conducting fact-finding research with focus groups, selecting the media, designing pre- and post-program evaluations, implementing the program, evaluating the program, comparing evaluation results, and revising the program. ("El Asesino Silencioso" translates as "The Silent Killer.") (SB)