Although focused efforts to train employees in the area of cultural competency ends on Wednesday, the health plan will continue to make this mission a priority throughout the year.
The past eight weeks have created space for self-reflection and team discussions around culture. However, the importance of this topic will have an effect that is sure to ripple past the September 30 course deadline.
Stephanie Lyons, an Enterprise Systems Manager, said she has appreciated the recent spotlight that the course has placed on these topics. The spotlight has confirmed her previous efforts to embrace the diversity of her team and allow everyone to benefit from it.
“In late 2019 we began a lunch series called Tasty Fridays,” Lyons said. “It was a time when everyone was encouraged to bring a dish that was unique to their home country or culture. We all could partake, which led to natural discussions around the food and family traditions.”
Lyons said talking about culture was ideal and imperative because her team comes from a variety of countries and continents.
She added that she can appreciate working for an organization that does well in this area and continues to improve. “My team works with Member Services and Marketing and Community Outreach – both areas that are first-contact areas for our members. Those teams work hard to meet diverse language and culture needs. Overall, I think the health plan does a great job at being culturally competent for our membership and each other.”
Take-Aways
- All health plan employees must take the Cultural Competency course, available on HealthStream by Wednesday, September 30.
- The 15 national Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards can be found here.
- To review past Connect stories on this effort, click the following links: Team Discussions, Ideas, Cultural Competency Week, Hayes on The Health Plan.