It’s Cultural Competency Week at Texas Children’s Health Plan – a celebration of the cultural differences that exists among the organization’s more than 900 employees, 11,000 providers and 480,000 members.
In celebration, employees will participate in team discussions, have a chance to win prizes by answering a question of the day and learn more about the 15 national cultural competency standards through a state-mandated training course. The course – available until September 30 – is focused on understanding the diversity that exists in people of different races, languages, genders, socioeconomic statuses and beliefs.
“There is no time like the present to pause and celebrate diversity,” said Johnna Carlson, director of Government Programs. “The Health Plan is so excited to be a leader in this conversation. Our entire mission is to serve those who need us – regardless of who they are, what they look like, or what language they speak. This week is simply a highlight on the way we do our jobs each day.”
Although there are 15 national standards around cultural competency, these are rooted in one principal standard, which is to provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy, and other communication needs.
This is the standard of highest priority that employees are expected to uphold.
“For me, coming to a country that is so diverse, certainly took me out of my comfort zone and has been such a positive experience,” said Donna Jackson, senior administrative assistant. “To learn and participate in a new cultural experience has made me more open minded and accepting. In general, this makes The Health Plan a more pleasurable work environment.”
Jackson adds that understanding one another’s differences breaks down barriers and makes people feel heard and therefore valued. “As we learn more and become advocates for each other, our children also get to reap the benefits. I truly believe that history will show Texas Children’s will be a better organization because of our focus on cultural competency.”
Watch Connect in the coming weeks to learn more about the national standards. All Health Plan employees are required to take the Cultural Competency training course in HealthStream by Wednesday, September 30.