Racial Equity

CMHF has a longstanding commitment to cultural diversity and cultural competence in mental health. Recent events compel us to look deeper and do more about systemic racism in the fields where we work, including behavioral health, grant making, and tax abatement. The status quo is unacceptable. Our Racial Equity Statement acknowledges our privilege and responsibility for funds that come from citizens. It commits us to ongoing learning. Its goals open exciting opportunities for new work at the grassroots level, supporting organizations led by persons of color, and identifying and treating race-based trauma.

SRS: Part of Our Equity Strategy

The Star Rating System (SRS) guides mental health agencies to self-assess culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services.  The results guide strategic decisions to improve equity. Our Board, staff, Advisory Council and Culture Journey LLC are making this idea a reality. We are now working in two Beta Test sites. Then the SRS will be available free to  providers. We are planning technical assistance in future phases of the project.

Welcome to our Advisory Council

The Cultural Competence Advisory Council includes provider staff, community members, participants, Board members and staff.  The CCAC meets about 9 times a year, with a few projects between meetings. We meet for lunch (video conference during the pandemic), have honest conversations, and we have several responsibilities in advising the Trustees. Council Meetings are open to anyone.  You can find the next one on the events calendar. We are looking for new members! Joining the CCAC is easy.  It starts by completing and returning a CCAC application. Interested? Check it out!

Leading by Example

• The HHS Office of Minority Health has maintained standards and guidance material for many years. The National CLAS Standards shape our views. 
• A Language Access Plan is required for funding. We support agencies’ language assistance capacity though the indirect portion of funding.  For help and ideas, see our Guidance Letter and Sample Language Access Plan.
• Our Business Case for Cultural Competence explains that agencies must respond to diverse populations, meet accreditation and regulatory requirements, manage liability, and improve communication in order to achieve outcomes.
• We have formal documents to help guide inclusive practices. Components include Cultural Competency Plan, Cultural Competence Sustainability Plan, Cultural Competency Indicators