No where are the divisions of race, ethnicity and culture more sharply drawn than in the health of people in the United States. Despite recent progress in the overall national health, there are continuing disparities in the incidence of illness, disease and death among racial and ethnic groups. Current service delivery systems must undergo fundamental change in order to achieve the goal of eliminating health disparities. A key tool in the elimination of the health disparities is the incorporation of culturally competent values, attitudes, policies, structures and practices. This session will present the conceptual framework of the cultural competence model (Cross, T., et al.,) and the implications for the organizations and individuals concerned with public health.
Learning Objectives: The participant will increase awareness and understanding of: 1. the rational for cultural competence in health care. 2. a conceptual framework of cultural competence and the set of underlying values and principles inherent in such a system of services and supports. 3. approaches for the incorporation of culturally competent values, attitudes, policies, structures and practices in organizations concerned with public health. 4. the role of cultural competence as a key tool in the elimination of health dispartiy among racial and ethnic groups
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Public Health Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.