Cultural Competency
It is the desire of Region 3 Behavioral Health Services to create a climate of inclusion and acceptance for ALL people living in the twenty-two counties of Region 3. Cultural competence is the ability to effectively relate to and communicate with people within and outside an organization from diverse ethnic, racial, cultural, economic, social, and linguistic backgrounds.
Becoming culturally competent is a dynamic process between leadership, employees, consumers, and stakeholders that requires cultural knowledge and skill development at all service levels, including strategic planning, policymaking, administration, and practice. Region 3 has the commitment to assist employees in developing awareness to cultures and their differences, to foster a positive attitude toward diversity, to provide training for employees to gain knowledge of cultural issues, and to support employees in acquiring the skills to interact with the public and consumers in an inclusive manner.
Region 3 utilizes a Cultural Competency Plan and a CLAS Standards Matrix (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services) to ensure that all activities and services are accessible and culturally competent. Annually, information is collected on the action steps of the plan and matrix and the results of the actions steps are reported to Leadership Team and Region 3 staff. The Continuous Quality Improvement Department reviews the results and takes the lead on implementing activities to reach the goals within the plan and matrix. The plan and matrix are reviewed and revised annually and approved by Leadership Team. Additionally, the Network Specialist disseminates the Cultural Sensitivity Survey bi-annually to contracted providers.
It is the intention of Region 3 Behavioral Health Services that the Cultural Competency Plan and CLAS Standards Matrix will prepare the Region 3 staff to effectively serve the ever-changing demographics of the twenty-two counties within the Region 3 service area.
Cultural Competency Plan (Word)
CLAS MATRIX (Word)
Cultural Competency Training at UNK - Brochure (PDF)
