The mission of DiversityRx - Resources for Cross Cultural Health Care (RCCHC) is to inform, educate and support a growing field of health care providers, policymakers, researchers and advocates working to design and implement health services that are responsive to the cultural and linguistic differences presented by minority, immigrant, and indigenous communities.
RCCHC was launched in 1995 to support practitioners, organizations, and policymakers concerned with providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health care. Working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, RCCHC developed the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (the CLAS standards). Early adoption of internet and social media tools has enabled information sharing, resource dissemination and online learning for advocates and practitioners around the world. DiversityRx has collaborated with migrant health projects sponsored by the European Union, the World Health Organization, and the International Organization for Migration, and supports research activities on cross cultural health care in Japan.
By facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information among professional colleagues, DiversityRx provides professional development opportunities and offers technical assistance on key practice and policy issues. The organization also spearheads research and policy development, and advocate for culturally responsive care globally.
DiversityRx has programs contributing to policy are research, program design and assessment, and information dissemination. Their work is relevant to a variety of health sectors, and with an emphasis on multicultural populations and diversity, their tools are highly relevant for the global mental health field.
Policy Development and Research
- Convene key stakeholders to explore emerging issues, develop key models and best practices standards, and facilitate consensus on controversial issues
- Conduct policy development and analysis on U.S., European, and global initiatives related to health care for immigrant and minority populations
- Contribute to analysis and promotion of evidence-based research on cultural and linguistic competence interventions in health
Program Design, Assessment, and Best Practices Dissemination
- Regularly publish information on best practices and programs that serve multicultural populations
- Provide technical assistance, consulting services, and referrals for national, state, and local government organizations; public health departments; community-based organizations; managed care organizations, hospitals and clinics; universities; and advocacy groups
Information Dissemination and Stakeholder Networking
- Manage the DiversityRx website to provide fresh, relevant content to the CLAS community and encourage the sharing of ideas through the site’s interactive features
- Host online discussions groups for policymakers, health care providers, medical interpreters, and researchers interested in sharing information and best practices. Education and Training
- Sponsor workshops and presentations on a variety of cross-cultural health topics at national and international meetings and institutional training seminars
- Co-produce the National Conference on Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations, held biennially since 1998
- Manage the Your Voice webinar series and online peer learning networks
- Support other organizations who want to host webinars, communities of practice and other peer learning activities
Julia Puebla Fortier
Executive Director, DiversityRx - Resources for Cross Cultural Health Care 4-11-22 Shinohara Kitamachi, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-0068 JAPAN
Candice Mathew Healy
Project Manager, DiversityRx - Resources for Cross Cultural Health Care115 Williamsburg Drive, Longmeadow, MA 01106 USA
