1. By: Lisa Harter & Mikyla Strand H EALTHCARE AND THE S OMALI C ULTURE

2. O VERVIEW Background Community Partner Somali Elders Council (SEC) Services Offered Brochure Information Cultural competence Gender sensitivity Tips of culture competent care

3. B ACKGROUND In 1990, Minnesota had fewer than 5,000 residents that were born in Africa(Immigration in Minnesota-discovering common ground, 2004). As of today, Minnesota has the largest number of Somalis in the U.S., an estimated 50,000 (Stratishealth, 2010)

4. C OMMUNITY P ARTNER Alikhadar Yusuf is a Somali Elders Council member. He has been with the organization for 6 months. He has been in the United States for about 9 years. He graduated from St. Cloud State with his bachelor's degree and is currently working on his Masters. He hopes to someday get his PhD and become a politician. Ali sets up the training and community outreach meetings with local organizations.

5. S OMALI E LDERS C OUNCIL (SEC) Provides a first learning experience for newly arrived immigrants and refugees who do not have language and living skills necessary to thrive in the community. Help develop skills in: Conflict resolution Leadership Advocacy Training Community organization

6. S OMALI E LDERS C OUNCIL (SEC) They offer an array of services to help immigrants and refugees acclimate to their new community. Also to help the Somali immigrant and refugees to achieve a greater level of independence.

7. S ERVICES OFFERED English language classes Basic computer skills Mathematics Citizenship and civic test preparation Social services Financial assistance and health services School enrollment Educational opportunities for adults

8. S ERVICES OFFERED CONT Domestic abuse training Integration into society after incarceration Conflict resolution training Community relations trainings Volunteer services

9. C ULTURAL C OMPETENCE In the medical field, healthcare providers should make it a point to be familiar with the culture of their patients. May expect someone with a different belief to conform to our way of doing things. Having an interpreter on hand to handle any miscommunications. Getting to know the Somali culture can: Make patients with these beliefs feel comfortable. Make them feel thought of in the healthcare process.

10. G ENDER S ENSITIVITY In the Islamic religion, having physical contact with someone of the opposite sex that is not your marriage mate is not acceptable. A female patient would want to see a female doctor. A male patient would want to see a male doctor. Few exceptions: Extreme circumstances Emergency Only one doctor in that specialty

11. T IPS FOR CULTURE COMPETENT CARE When asking a Somali patient about their symptoms, they may say that it hurts all over. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common among Somali refugees. Immunizations are required to receive their green card. Explain the importance of immunizations.

12. T IPS C ONTINUED Provide information on why well-child check ups are important. Express the importance of being active and maintaining nutrition. Changes in medication schedules during Ramadan may be needed since during this time Somali’s may be fasting.

13. W ORKS C ITED Immigration in Minnesota-discovering common ground. (2004). Africa- Focus on Somalis. Retrieved 1/27/10 from www.minneapolisfoundation.org/immigration/africa.htm. www.minneapolisfoundation.org/immigration/africa.htm Stratishealth.(2010). Somalis in Minnesota. Retrieved 1/27/10 from www.culturecareconnection.org/matters/diversity/soamliwww.culturecareconnection.org/matters/diversity/soamli