DPH CHALLENGES DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE WITH EDUCATIONAL SERIES

Health care organizations and providers are challenged with responding to the needs of individuals with culturally diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors. These differences can result in critical gaps in communication and care. To bridge these gaps, a cultural competence education series sponsored by Delaware's Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Health Equity is offered to health care professionals. The training will raise awareness of cultural issues which impact the delivery of health services and provide strategies to improve health outcomes. This is the second year DPH has funded these trainings, which take place on Sept. 21 in Wilmington and on Oct. 19 in Dover. Registration is $10 per session, with students attending at no charge. Additional fee waivers are available. To register, contact Social Solutions at 302-239-4666 or visit www.DE-CCS.com.

Sept. 21 - 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Light lunch provided
Topic:Cultural Competency and the Asian American Community
Presenter:Elaine Yuen, PhD, MBA., adjunct associate professor
Jefferson School of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University
Manager of Health Services Research at Wills Eye Institute
Location:Christiana Care Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute at Pelleport
3506 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807
(302) 661-3000

Oct. 19 - 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Light lunch provided
Topic:Cultural Competency - From Theory to Practice
Presenter:Horace DeLisser, MD, associate professor of medicine
Assistant Dean for Spirituality & Cultural Competency
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Location:Delaware State University
Martin Luther King Student Center
Multipurpose Room C
1200 N. DuPont Hwy,
Dover, Delaware 19901
(302) 857-7309

At the conclusion of each session, participants will:

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

Who Should Attend:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Healthcare administrators/Specialists
• Community non-profit workers
• Skilled and service workers
• Students

The cultural competency series developed in partnership with the First State Chapter, National Medical Association, Delaware Academy of Family Physicians and Medical Society of Delaware represents one of the recommendations listed in the Delaware Healthcare Disparities Taskforce report issued in 2007. Dr. Cedric Barnes, president of the First State Chapter, National Medical Association and Dr. Omar Khan, president, Delaware Academy of Family Physicians, served as advisors. In November 2008, DPH released a Racial and Ethnic Disparities Health Status Report Card to highlight and monitor minority health disparities and the progress in eliminating them. See the full report at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/mh/files/2008dredreportcard.pdf

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.