Improving Cultural Competency in Healthcare Gregory S. Buchert, MD, MPH President and Chief Executive Office

California Health & Wellness California Health & Wellness is a Medi-Cal managed care organization Established in 2013 19 Rural Counties Most providers and members are new to managed care concepts Subsidiary of Centene Corporation

“Our rich diversity … is our collective strength.” Quote from the Johannesburg Declaration As of early 2014, California is the first large state and only the third overall (after Hawaii and New Mexico), without a white, non‑Hispanic plurality. The Hispanic population is now the largest race or ethnic group in the state, with a population of over 15 million or 39 percent of California’s population; the white non‑Hispanic population is just under 15 million (38 percent). Asians are the third largest race or ethnic group in California at over 5 million (13 percent). Governor's Budget Summary 2015-16

“We can only truly understand a culture when we know how its disabled members see it, read it, understand it, critique it.” The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly six million people in California have a disability. The National Organization on Disability reports that more than 54 million Americans have a disability. The United Nations reports that nearly 10% of the world’s population or 650 million people live with a disability. People with disabilities cross all racial, gender, educational, socioeconomic, and organizational lines. (Disabled World) People with disabilities represent the largest minority group in the country and in the world, but are often the “forgotten diversity segment.” Quote by Kenzaburo Oe, 1994 Nobel Prize Winner and father of a son with a disability.

“There is one way to look at things, until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes.” In the context of health, the definition of culturally competent care should be broadened to include disability. At California Health & Wellness, we are committed to providing equal access to quality health care and services that are culturally, linguistically, and disability-responsive. Hired a dedicated Manager of Diversity and Disability Programs Sought and hired employee candidates whose second language is American or Mexican Sign Language Meetings with Department of Rehabilitation to self-identify as an organization seeking employees with disabilities Persons with Disabilities represented on our Board of Directors, Community Advisory Committee, National Disability Advisory Council, and National Diversity and Inclusion Executive Council Quote from Pablo Picasso

“Transforming the health of a community, one person at a time” Centene Purpose Statement Additional actions taken by California Health and Wellness: Disability sensitivity training for all employees Implementing Employees with Disabilities Resource Group as a result of focus group with employees with disabilities. Training for providers and office staff on how to best serve members with disabilities Contracted DME evaluator for in home wheel chair assessments Implementing Video Remote Interpretation Pilot Sponsors of Youth Leadership Forum for students with disabilities Revised authorization procedures so members with disabilities who are survivors of Butte and Valley fires have quick access to Assistive Technology (AT), DME, and prescriptions.

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