Cultural Competence
In Ohio, cultural competence has been defined as a continuous learning process that builds knowledge, awareness, skills and the capacity to identify, understand and respect the unique beliefs, values, customs, languages and traditions of all Ohioans in order to provide effective programs and services. This continuous learning process is necessary to support recovery and to deliver consumer-driven, person-centered mental health services. The Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) is committed to assuring that cultural competence is considered when developing statewide policy, programs and practices because services are most effective when delivered in a culturally competent way.
Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC)
ODMH funds MACC, which promotes culturally and linguistically appropriate services in Ohio through an annual cultural competence conference, cultural competence training and the promotion of cultural competence resources. By conducting a thorough needs assessment, MACC has identified how Ohio's various cultural groups perceive and respond to mental illness and has identified the special needs of various groups. Using this information, MACC develops reports to share with local mental health boards and agencies with the goal of enhancing their ability to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services. For more information, visit the MACC Web site.
Cultural Competence and the Transformation State Incentive Grant
MACC serves as one of the Content Working Groups of the Transformation State Incentive Grant. Through this grant, ODMH is bringing together statewide organizations such as MACC, and other state agencies, such as the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, to integrate cultural competence into community behavioral health and other systems of care. The goal is to ensure quality care and treatment for Ohio’s diverse populations. Strategies developed through this collaboration include:
- Developing a uniform and widely accepted definition and model/approach to cultural competence
- Identifying and assessing systemic barriers and gaps in services
- Creating a comprehensive staff/systems cultural competence infrastructure and development model, which may include training, credentialing, licensing, accreditation, technical assistance and other strategies to eliminate disparities
For more information, visit the Transformation State Incentive Grant page.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
ODMH is striving to ensure that services and programs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals are readily accessible and available throughout the state. Through its Office of Consumer Recovery and Supports, ODMH works with the deaf and hard of hearing community and their statewide organizations to develop and implement programs and strategies needed to promote recovery-based services that are consumer-driven and accessible to this population. Such programs and strategies not only include traditional clinical services, but also include services such as telemedicine, skilled mental health interpreters, advocacy and peer support. ODMH works with other stakeholders to develop community forums, printed information and local advocacy networks designed to support consumer voice and empowerment. For additional information regarding issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals, visit the Communication Service for the Deaf Web site.
Diversity Circles
ODMH is presently implementing dialogues about diversity and racial equity among its staff. The program follows a model developed by Everyday Democracy (formally known as the Study Circles Resource Center), which includes small group discussions that explore multiple world views crossing ethnic and cultural boundaries. The process is designed to create a better understanding between people, build a higher level of trust and create a deeper form of communication among staff to foster a better understanding of the impact of culture on ODMH work. This 18-month program is projected to kick-off in January 2009.
Historical Timeline 1984 – 2000
To learn more about how ODMH’s commitment to cultural competence has grown and transformed throughout the years, view our Cultural Competence Historical Timeline.