1 CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COMPETENTCY ON THE US/MEXICO BORDER
Esteban Zubia
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2 Local culture provides a sense of identity for all
communities and residents. This identity facilitates common
understandings, traditions, and values that are all central to the
identification of plans of action to improve mental health
well-being. It is important to provide a local linkage and cultural
basis for mental health care. Cultural and linguistic competency
serves to promote the local identity, regional languages, and
minority cultures. Why look at cultural and linguistic competency
locally?
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3 Biggest barrier? Our biggest barrier was getting the buy-in
from our own governance committee and private providers.
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4 What was done and how did it make a difference? Established a
policy and adopted the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate
Services (CLAS) using its six domains Provided training assistance
to mental health care providers Provided bilingual/bicultural
literature, assistance, and respecting families as the primary
source for defining needs and priorities.
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5 Individual Level Acknowledged cultural differences Understood
your own culture Engaged in self-assessment Acquired cultural
knowledge & skills Viewed behavior within a cultural context
(Cross, Bazron, Dennis and Isaacs, 1989) Slide Source: National
Center for Cultural Competence,2007 Five Elements of Cultural
Competence
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6 Organizational Level Valued diversity Adapted to diversity -
policies - structures - values- services Conducted cultural
self-assessment Managed the dynamics of difference
Institutionalized cultural knowledge (Cross, Bazron, Dennis and
Isaacs, 1989) Slide Source: National Center for Cultural
Competence,2007 Five Elements of Cultural Competence
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7 How we Incorporated Cultural Competency Standards into
Practice Used open-ended questions to identify each persons unique
cultural outlook. Re-evaluated intake and assessment documentation,
as well as policies and procedures, to be more inclusive. Employed
qualified mental health workers who are fluent in the languages of
the groups being served. Understood the cultural biases of staff
and provide training to address educational needs.
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8 How we Incorporated Cultural Competency Standards into
Practice Cont. Understood the cultural biases in program design.
Identified resources, such as natural supports, within the
community that will help an individual recover. Designed and
implemented culturally sensitive treatment plans. Evaluated
procedures and programs for cultural sensitivity and
effectiveness.
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9 Biggest success? Many community agencies participated in the
training offered and implemented our recommendations within their
practice.
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10 Suggestions for other communities? Our suggestions are to
start within your own organizations with a self and organizational
level assessment. Use the technical support offered by the grantor.
Start disseminating cultural and linguistic literature and material
early within the community and agencies.
