Health Care

Olmsted County is a diverse community made up of many cultural groups bound together by common life experiences, traditions, behaviors, and values.  Health care institutions should provide education programs for all staff members regarding cultural and cross-cultural health care traditions to ensure effective outreach and provide equal access to services. Education programs for health care employees should include background regarding the differences in customs, traditions, language and history as well as the positive health care practices that exist within cultures.

     Many refugees who come to this region in search of safety and a new life have experienced overwhelming suffering and loss as a result of war, torture and the hardship of life in refugee camps. Differences in language, income, education and access to appropriate health care may also compromise the physical and mental health of residents. It is important for health care providers to support community education and outreach programs beyond the mainstream or majority culture to meet the needs of all residents, including those in the immigrant and newcomer population.

The following goals and objectives will ensure that the health care needs of all residents are met: :

• Ensure that the employees of health care institutions have the opportunity to learn the health care traditions of the community members they serve
• Improve access to health care by providing education and outreach to all cultural and cross-cultural communities with Olmsted County.
• Ensure appropriate and timely interpreter staff in health care systems for English language learners and non-native speakers.