To support, promote, and achieve cultural competency across all sites
and services provided by Health & Education Services, Inc.
DEFINITIONS:
Cultural Competency is defined by the Diversity Action Team as:
The demonstration of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary
to communicate and collaborate with persons of all differences. It is
a process of assessment, education, and experience, resulting in a
respectful response that is meaningful to persons served.
Stakeholders include, but are not limited to:
Employees, clients, family members of clients, funding sources,
licensing/accrediting bodies, community members, referral sources,
and other community providers.
GOALS/OBJECTIVES:
The Diversity Action Team will assess current cultural competency of
the sites and services of Health & Education Services, Inc.
Funding will be sought through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation
of Massachusetts; Pathways to Culturally Competent Care grant to
assist in a systematic assessment of physical plants, employees, and
relevant stakeholders.
Research will be completed regarding diversity in the behavioral
health delivery system. Answers to the questions; "what has
already been done here?" and "what has been done
elsewhere?" will be answered.
A checklist will be developed outlining salient features of a
diversity-friendly environment for staff and consumers.
The checklist will be used for site-based assessment, action
planning, and training tailored to the various sites and programs of
Health & Education Services, Inc.
The Cultural Competency Survey will be reviewed and revised and
disseminated to employees for feedback.
Consumers and other relevant stakeholders will be assessed via survey
and/or focus groups and feedback will be folded into action steps
identified to improve cultural competency at Health & Education
Services, Inc.
The Diversity Action Team will promote acceptance through education.
Explore available resources such as posters and other educational
materials, which may be ordered for the various programs and sites
and inform staff of how to access these materials.
Submit diversity-related information to HES newsletter and make it a
monthly presence.
Post minutes on the web page.
Create a calendar that would include all holidays/celebrations. Get
employee feedback on what should be included by soliciting input on
either a blank calendar or by building on one that already exists.
The Diversity Action Team will provide consultation for Health &
Education Services, Inc. programs and staff on diversity related
issues, questions, and concerns.
Provide information to HES employees as to what the Diversity Action
Team's purpose is and how the team can assist in the review/revision
of existing trainings, policies/procedures, educational materials,
collaboration, etc. to promote cultural competency and diversity awareness.
Maintain date, time, and location of meetings (Second Wednesday of
every other month with subcommittees meeting on off months, time from
11:30 - 1:00, location at CFD)
