DIVERSITY REQUIRES A CHANGE IN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY

In response to an increasingly diverse population, for a second year the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will sponsor a four part educational series created to build a culturally competent health care system in Delaware. This series, which begins March 23, will increase the cultural competence of health care professionals and organizations by raising awareness of cultural issues that impact the delivery of health services and by providing strategies that improve health outcomes.

The series was developed in partnership with the First State Chapter, National Medical Association (NMA) and represents one of the recommendations listed in the Delaware Health Care Disparities Taskforce report issued in 2007.

Planning advisor Dr. Cedric Barnes, President of the NMA, expressed his commitment to this series and said, "In order for a physician or health professional to provide quality care and excellent customer service they must understand their patients; therefore this type of training and education is extremely important for all who strive to provide exceptional care for their clients".

There will be a total of four sessions throughout the state of Delaware starting in March and ending in May which feature five dynamic speakers from within the health care profession. The first session is scheduled for March 23, 11:30 am, Christiana Care, 3506 Kennett Pike, in Wilmington.

At the conclusion of each session, participants will know:

• the central role of cultural competence in the provision of quality health care to diverse populations
• effective cultural communication strategies that enhance trust between patient and health care provider
• how cultural differences between patient and provider affect the patient-provider relationship
• practical methods to address cultural challenges faced when caring for diverse patients

Who should attend:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Health care administrators/Specialists
• Community-based/Non profit workers
• Students

There is a small registration fee for each session. Fee waivers are available for health care professionals. For event information, contact Social Solutions at 302-239-4666.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.