Objective: Examine medication utilization for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a community-based setting. Assess disparities in types of medications used and frequency of use related to severity of symptoms, race, education, employment, and income. Methods: A questionnaire based upon previous work (Srinivansin, J Clin Gastro) was developed to assess self-reported GERD prevalence and medication utilization and was translated into Chinese and Spanish. We worked with community and faith-based leaders to identify events for data collection. GERD prevalence and medication usage in four ethnic groups (White, Black, Asian, Hispanic) were compared, controlling for age, gender and other demographic variables. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were done using SAS 9.1. Results: Of the 34.6% (307/1172) of respondents reporting at least weekly heartburn, 60.6% took over-the-counter medication, 56.4% took prescription (Rx) medication and 12.7% took no medications. Whites had a significantly higher rate of OTC utilization at 68.8%, followed by Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians at 61.1%, 60.2%, and 35.5%, respectively (P=0.0127). Whites were the lowest utilizers of Rx medications compared to the other ethnicities. For those taking prescription Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), (N=131) 51.7% took them 5 to 7 times per week. Participants with at least weekly and daily heartburn were more likely to take PPIs 5-7 times per week (P=.0098 and P=0.0056, respectively). Subjects with a diagnosis of GERD by a physician were more likely to take their prescription PPIs 5 to 7 times per week compared to those claiming no diagnosis, 60% v. 37.3%, respectively (P=0.0111). Conclusion: We found significant variation in the use of OTC and RX medications for GERD by ethnicity. Only half of patients taking prescription PPIs took them 5-7 times per week. Future research should focus on improving communication of GERD diagnosis to patients and recommended use of prescription PPIs in the absence of a diagnosis for GERD.