CentraCare invests in cultural competency

Because CentraCare Health System is seeing more patients from racially, culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities, CentraCare recently engaged a consultant to complete an in-depth cultural competency assessment. Surveys and focus groups were designed to better understand how well CentraCare serves its diverse patient population and where improvements are needed.
CentraCare Health Foundation has invested in cultural competency by approving a $512,600 grant to cover the cost of special training for physicians and advanced practice providers. The goal of the training is to improve their ability to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate care for all patients we serve. Minorities now make up almost 9 percent of the population in the St. Cloud metropolitan area.
“CentraCare continues to improve clinical and service quality so we want to ensure Limited English Proficiency patients have effective communication with their health care team,” said Mark Larkin, vice president of development.
“CentraCare Health System is striving to be the leader in Minnesota for quality, safety, service and value,” said Terry Pladson, MD, the health system’s president/CEO. “Our effort to provide culturally competent care is an important component of that vision.”