State of Cultural Competency

It was a great honor to play a part in OHSU's first hosting of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon's annual State of Healthcare Cultural Competency Community Forum. I attended the inaugural forum in 2009 at PCC Southeast campus, and has seen the event expand and improve each year.

The community forum is an opportunity for health equity advocates, community members, and healthcare professionals to come together and share best practices about addressing healthcare disparities among Asian Pacific Islander communities. API groups face unique challenges in combating certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease, liver and cervical cancer, among others. Cultural and linguistic barriers prevent APIs from accessing high-quality healthcare.

APANO's theme for this year's State of Cultural Competency Forum was "Stronger Communities, Stronger Families." According to APANO organizers, the theme:

"... highlights the social and environmental determinants on our families health. We are dedicated to strengthening Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Oregon by building effective leadership, addressing the root of problems faced by our communities, and improving health and opportunity for our children and families. Strong communities are communities with real opportunities, equal access and a higher level of civic engagement. From affordable health care and good schools, to family wage jobs and a toxic-free environment with places to play, our communities are shaped by the way we make policy and allocate resources. APANO works for strong communities in order to support strong families, which are at the center of our Asian and Pacific Islander cultures."

The gathering brought together over 120 people from diverse API cultural backgrounds. Here are a few captures from the daylong event. See you all next year!

Minding the Wealth Gap

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A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga

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