Oral

Addressing the diverse health challenges and disparities among racial and ethnic communities requires tailoring strategies in a culturally and linguistically competent manner. Across the country, many programs have implemented successful community models aimed to improve access to quality health care and to eliminate health disparities in underserved and vulnerable populations. The presenters will share a range of community-centered approaches to achieving positive health outcomes for their respective communities. Based out of New Mexico, the Native Health Initiative (NHI) is a national American Indian partnership created and driven by Tribal communities that addresses health inequities through loving service. In Maryland, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services established three unique minority health initiatives to meet the County’s diverse health needs, the African American Health Program (AAHP), Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI), and the Latino Health Initiative (LHI). The AAHP, AAHI and LHI work collectively to meet the departmental mission of promoting and ensuring the health and safety of Montgomery County residents and to build individual and family strength and self-sufficiency.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe unique demographic profiles of the diverse racial and ethnic populations reached by the African American Health Program, Asian American Health Initiative, Latino Health Initiative, and Native Health Initiative. 2. Identify the health challenges and health disparities faced by the African American, Asian American, Latino American, and Tribal communities. 3. Design strategies to overcome challenges and successfully reach out to these communities in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. 4. Describe the history of each program and understand ways to eliminate health disparities and effectively deliver outreach services to the diverse targeted groups. 5. Demonstrate knowledge about successful model programs to better serve each community and improve access to care.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)