Cultural Competency Vocabulary

NAMI California Project:

• A three-year project (January 2012 - February 2015) in partnership with the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) and Pacific Clinics.
• Aimed to address disparities in health status among diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Focus on mental health issues faced by minority communities, particularly among Asian Americans.
• UPAC partnered with cultural experts for the Cultural Competency Steering Committee, which guides project initiatives.
• Formalized relationships with statewide cultural experts, including those from California Reducing Disparity Projects, enhancing the project's cultural approach.
• NAMI California's first formal statewide effort to address cultural disparities in mental health.

California's Communities

• Population (2019): 39,512,223 residents (over 12% of the total US population).
• Race/Ethnicity (2019):
  • 71.9% White Alone
  • 39.4% Hispanic/Latino
  • 15.5% Asian
  • 6.5% Black/African American
  • 4.0% Two or More Races
  • 1.6% American Indian/Alaska Native
  • 0.5% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
• LGBTQI+ (2019): 5.3% of California's population, highlighting the need for inclusive mental health services addressing diverse identities.

Defining Culture

• NAMI Definition: Customary beliefs, social norms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.
• Includes shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize an institution or organization.
• Beyond Language and Ethnicity: Culture encompasses various facets of identity, including:
  • Age (youth and seniors)
  • LGBTQI+ communities
  • Veterans and military families
  • Faith and spirituality
  • Rural and farm worker communities
  • Physical disability (deaf, hearing impaired, blind)
  • Poverty and socioeconomic statuses
  • Gender
• Culture is the lens through which individuals see and experience the world, influencing perceptions and interactions.

Importance of Sensitivity

• It is crucial to be sensitive in approach, as assumptions about culture may not align with individual beliefs. Cultural awareness should prioritize understanding individual stories over stereotypes.

Cultural Humility

• Cultural Humility: Acknowledging one's own cultural background while valuing others'.
• Continuous learning about different cultures is crucial for building relationships and providing effective support.
• Valuing perspectives and acknowledging attitudes and beliefs regarding people of other cultures enhances mutual respect and understanding.

Community Collaboration

• Services need to be aligned with the cultures, customs, and beliefs of those served.
• Collaborations with cultural leaders and community organizations help refine understanding and outreach methods.