A Model For Assessment of Cultural and Linguistic Competency in Local Health Department in Kentucky

PURPOSE- To assess the extent to which Local Health Departments (LHDs) in Kentucky have responded to the cultural diversity of the populations they serve; to measure the extent to which LHDs in Kentucky comply with the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) established by the Federal Office of Minority Health; to assess the forces that determine whether LHDs become more culturally and linguistically competent. DESIGN METHODS- Cross-sectional survey administered to LHDs administrators from 56 jurisdictions in Kentucky. RESULTS- A total of 159 Kentucky LHD administrators received the assessment survey. Findings suggest urban LHDs are performing higher on average than rural LHDs on CLAS domains of culturally inclusive health care environment, quality monitoring and improvement, management information system, staff recruitment, and communication support. Regarding levels of compliance with CLAS standards, both rural and urban areas comply at moderate levels on domains of plans and policies, quality monitoring and improving, management information system, and staff training; and both comply at minimum levels on domains of organizational governance, culturally inclusive health care environment, and staff recruitment. Significant association was found between the perception of population diversity and the provision of cultural competency training and education to staff. The use of online training tools was the top strategy associated with the Hispanic population. CONCLUSION- Local Health Departments across Kentucky are moderately engaged in culturally and linguistically appropriate practices, administratively. There is a need to enhance public health strategies to solidify these practices to serve the increasingly diverse population.