Module Components

• Overview
• Assignments

Topics

• Health Disparities Definitions
• Examples of Health Disparities
• Community Health Indicators
• Leading Reports on Health Disparities
• Federal and State Initiatives
• Cultural Competence

NRSG 780 - Health Promotion and Population Health

Module 5: Health Disparities / Cultural Competence

Cultural Competence

Health Inequity and Language

One strategy to eliminate health inequities is Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).

“Culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) is a way to improve the quality of services provided to all individuals, which will ultimately help reduce health disparities and achieve health equity. CLAS is about respect and responsiveness: Respect the whole individual and Respond to the individual’s health needs and preferences.
Health inequities in our nation are well documented. Providing CLAS is one strategy to help eliminate health inequities. By tailoring services to an individual's culture and language preferences, health professionals can help bring about positive health outcomes for diverse populations.
The provision of health services that are respectful of and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and needs of diverse patients can help close the gap in health outcomes. The pursuit of health equity must remain at the forefront of our efforts; we must always remember that dignity and quality of care are rights of all and not the privileges of a few.”

(Office of Minority Health, DHHS, 2024)

What are the CLAS Standards?

"The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (the National CLAS Standards) aim to improve health care quality and advance health equity by establishing a framework for organizations to serve the nation's increasingly diverse communities.(Office of Minority Health, DHHS, 2015)

Take a few moments to watch this video (6:41 min) on the importance of implementing culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

CLAS Legislation Map

State agencies have supported cultural and linguistic competency since the CLAS Standards were developed. Several states have passed legislation on cultural competency training for some health professionals. Others have mandated cultural and linguistic competency for the majority of health care providers. See the map below on the status of CLAS legislation. What is the status of your state?

Source: https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas/clas-tracking-map

For more information on the status of CLAS in different states check out the website at: https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas/clas-tracking-map