Children’s Center Hosts Health Equity Forum

The Children’s Center’s healthy equity plan is guided by the CLAS Standards, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services. The plan requires leadership to continuously gather data to monitor that equitable access to care, equitable services and equitable outcomes are provided. To be successful the agency strives to continuously learn from the children and families served and by employees who work in various job functions. There are 15 CLAS standards and The Center’s plan addresses each with an action plan. Examples include revising job descriptions to require employees to follow the agency’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusive policy, to monthly conversations between board members and employees about current events and experiences of bias. The discussions, facilitated by SEET Consultants, Michele Stewart Copes and Dr. Marie Spivey, are developing confidence and assertiveness so participants are empowered to address individuals who are being disrespectful. Disrespect and bias by providers are leading factors that influence poor health care. On April 5, The Center hosted a meeting with SEET, behavioral healthcare providers and consumers who gather as a learning community quarterly. The next meeting is scheduled for July 12 from 9-11:00am and will include a presentation by Dr. Cindy Crusto about how to evaluate a healthy equity plan. If interested in attending, contact slockery@tccoh.org.