A critical component of cultural competence is cultural sensitivity. This means that healthcare professionals make a conscious effort to recognize and consider the potential and actual cultural factors that influence their interactions with families. It also involves designing programs and materials, and making recommendations that are culturally relevant and specific.

Why is cultural competence important?

Cultural competency is essential for providing quality healthcare. It enables families and providers to communicate about health concerns without cultural differences hindering the conversation. Behavioral health care services that respect and respond to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural needs of diverse families can lead to positive health outcomes.

Culture and language may influence::

• health, healing, and wellness belief systems;
• how illness, disease, and their causes are perceived; both by the child/family and
• the behaviors of children/families who are seeking behavioral health care and their attitudes toward behavioral health care providers;
• as well as the delivery of services by the provider who looks at the world through his or her own limited set of values, which can compromise access for patients from other cultures.

With the increasing diversity in Central Florida’s population, children and their families are more likely to encounter situations that require culturally competent care. This includes access to a wide range of language services and supportive healthcare programs. Both providers and families bring their unique language and cultural patterns to the healthcare experience. Through cultural competency, we can ensure equal access to quality healthcare for all children.