Objective: Assess knowledge and care seeking behaviors for gastro-esophageal reflux disease via a population-based approach. Identify variations in knowledge, attitude, and care seeking patterns between racial groups, while also investigating socio-economic disparities. Methods: A questionnaire based upon previous work (Srinivansin, J Clin Gastro) was developed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and care seeking patterns for GERD and was translated into Chinese and Spanish. We worked with community and faith-based leaders to identify events for data collection. Four ethnic groups (White, Black, Asian, Hispanic) were compared. All descriptive and multivariate analyses were done using SAS 9.1. Results: Although Hispanics had the highest prevalence rate for GERD, their familiarity with the condition was lower (61.2%), compared to Whites (68.9%) and Blacks (63.7%); Asians were the least familiar with GERD (44.6%) (P<0.0001). There was a positive correlation between increased education level and awareness for GERD (P<0.0001). In general, Whites were the most likely to recognize GERD symptoms and behaviors to control GERD, while Asians were the least likely. Blacks and Hispanics were more likely to go to the Emergency Room for severe heartburn compared to Asians and Whites (P<0.0001). Asians were least likely to go see a doctor when presented with a complication of heartburn (P<0.0001). A total of 40.8% of Asians and 35.5% of Hispanics indicated that cost and the lack of health insurance would prevent them from seeing a doctor, higher rates than Whites and Blacks (P=0.0073). Conclusion: Minorities lack an equal understanding of GERD, compared to Whites. Asians were particularly inaccurate in assessing symptoms for GERD and were least likely to see a doctor. Further research should focus on improving minority understanding of GERD symptoms and at what point to consult a physician. The impact of cost and lack of insurance on care seeking behaviors amongst Hispanics and Asians should also be examined.