Oral

This workshop on health disparities will provide information on cultural competency, barriers to health care access and the benefit of increasing minority professionals in public health practice and research. Included in the session are results of thirteen case studies of culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards designed to create an information base on positive business successes. In addition, Project Export, an action-research project will be described as a way to increase minority participation in practice and research. Finally, the issue of access will be discussed through two presentations on health care in regionalized systems via perinatal tertiary care and a regional lifestyle program in Florida.

Session Objectives: At the end of the session the participant will be able to: Describe the 14 National Standards of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS Standards). Recognize an innovative human capital approach to develop minority health researchers and public health professionals and advocates in the community to address health disparities. List reasons why race or insurance status may be a factor in discrimination regarding eligibility for transport or transfer of the high risk pregnant woman. Identify the barriers and disparities to healthcare access due to racial, ethnic and socioeconomic status in the state of Florida.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing