Cultural Competency

The term ‘melting pot’ instantly brings to mind the diverse national makeup of the United States. We’re a potpourri of people groups that includes different nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, religions, and languages. This uniqueness is what makes each of us special, but it can also make getting the best health care more difficult for many individuals.

For instance, differences in language or culture can impede the communication between patients and providers. Different understandings and beliefs about optimal health must also be considered. Cultural competency is something to which we should all aspire, but when it comes to our health, it is imperative for achieving the best quality care.

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Facts

Regional

  • Collectively, minority groups constitute 42% of Kansas City, Missouri’s population. Foreign-born individuals comprise 7.4% of the population.

    U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2008 American Community Survey

National

  • Nearly 55 million people or almost 20 percent of the U.S. population speak a language other than English at home.

    Access to 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

  • People of diverse racial and ethnic groups are less likely to get regular medical checkups, receive immunizations, and be routinely tested for cancer, when compared with the majority U.S. population.

    Rationale for Cultural Competence in Primary Care, National Center for Cultural Competence

  • There is a growing body of evidence that validates cultural and linguistic competency as effective interventions in the goal to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities and inequities in the provision of quality care.

    National Center for Cultural Competence: http://nccc.georgetown.edu/documents/nccc_bro_web.pdf

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