A set of behaviors, attitudes and policies that come together in a system, agency, or program or among individuals, enabling them to function effectively in diverse cultural interactions and similarities within, among, and between groups.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Cultural competence is at the center of addressing health disparities within the community. The provision of services that meet the needs of the whole individual is an ongoing
How to become more culturally competent
- Think beyond race and ethnicity. A person’s culture is shaped by more than the color of their skin or the way that they dress. It’s shaped by the person’s life experiences and traditions, which may be seen or unseen to the naked eye.
- Learn by asking. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People feel respected and appreciated when others take a genuine interest in who they are, so ask open-ended questions about their culture to learn more.
- Make local connections. Find local organizations or venues that work with a cultural group you’re interested in and stop by. Organizations like advocacy groups, religious institutions, colleges, and social clubs are a great place to learn more and make connections.
- Pay attention to non-verbal behaviors. The meaning behind body language can sometimes differ based on cultural norms. Pay attention to how your body language is being perceived by those around you.
- Exchange stories. Storytelling is a great way to share experiences that go beyond culture. Initiate an open conversation by sharing a personal story or experience.
Cultural Competence Resources
Websites
Cultural and Linguistic Competency
This website highlights the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) in healthcare to improve service quality and achieve health equity. It introduces the National CLAS Standards, a set of 15 action steps developed by the Office of Minority Health (OMH) to guide health organizations in providing respectful and responsive care. Additionally, the site features resources like the Think Cultural Health initiative and e-learning programs aimed at enhancing the cultural competence of healthcare professionals.
Cultural Competence In Health And Human Services
The CDC's National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) website provides resources and information to public health professionals, focusing on HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STDs, tuberculosis, and school health. It emphasizes cultural competence in healthcare, offering strategies, training, and resources to improve services for diverse populations. The site aims to connect professionals with trusted information and each other to enhance public health outcomes.
Tools & Resources
Cultural Competency in Assessing and Treating Opioid Use Disorder
Recommendations for clinicians on cultural competency in assessing and treating opioid use disorder.
SAMHSA’s TIP 59: Improving Cultural Competence
This guide helps professional care providers and administrators understand the role of culture in the delivery of mental health and substance use services. It describes cultural competence and discusses racial, ethnic, and cultural considerations.
The Opioid Guide: A Resource Guide for Practicing Psychologists
A guide from the American Psychological Society with information for practicing psychologists on opioids, their use, and effective treatments.
Toolkit for Centering Racial Equity in Data Integration
This toolkit is designed to help guide partnerships, collaboratives, agencies, and community initiatives seeking to center racial equity while using, sharing, and integrating administrative data.
Posters & Infographics
Publications
A Structural Competency Curriculum for Primary Care Providers to Address the Opioid Use Disorder, HIV, and Hepatitis C Syndemic
Bagchi, A. D. (2020). A structural competency curriculum for primary care providers to address the opioid use disorder, HIV, and hepatitis C syndemic. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, Article 210. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00210
Addressing Cultural Complexities in Counseling and Clinical Practice: An Intersectional Approach, Fourth Edition
Hays, P. A. (2022). Addressing Cultural Complexities in Counseling and Clinical Practice: An Intersectional Approach (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Cultural Competence and Ethnic Diversity in Healthcare
Nair, L., & Adetayo, O. A. (2019). Cultural competence and ethnic diversity in healthcare. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(5), e2219. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002219
Responding to the Opioid Epidemic: Educational Competencies for Pain and Substance Use Disorder from the Medical Schools of the University of California
Servis, M., Fishman, S. M., Wallace, M. S., Henry, S. G., Ziedonis, D., Ciccarone, D., Knight, K. R., Shoptaw, S., Dowling, P., Suchard, J. R., Shah, S., Singh, N., Cedarquist, L. C., Alem, N., Copenhaver, D. J., Westervelt, M., & Willis, B. C. (2021). Responding to the Opioid Epidemic: Educational Competencies for Pain and Substance Use Disorder from the Medical Schools of the University of California. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.), 22(1), 60–66. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa399
The Importance of Cultural Competence in Pain and Palliative Care
Givler, A., Bhatt, H., & Maani-Fogelman, P. A. (2024). The importance of cultural competence in pain and palliative care. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567710/
Webinars & Online Learning
Current News & Research
Does the Implementation of Evidence-Based and Culturally Competent Practices Reduce Disparities in Addiction Treatment Outcomes?
Guerrero, E. G., Garner, B. R., Cook, B., & Kong, Y. (2017). Does the implementation of evidence-based and culturally competent practices reduce disparities in addiction treatment outcomes? Addictive Behaviors, 73, 119–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.05.006