Multiculturalism in Healthcare

Multiculturalism in Healthcare Opportunity or Threat

Dear Friends in Healthcare,

It is with the best of intentions that I am sending you this attached article from my local paper detailing the continuing diversification of our U.S. population. This news as you know is not new but, the implications pointed out by this particular article offer a perspective on our future as a nation that I think is worthy of your consideration.

Indeed, the real news behind our continued growth in diversity is the growing strain that diversity is placing on our societal infrastructure and our ability to get along in our communities. This strain, if left unchecked by our nation’s leaders, will eventually render us less productive and competitive in a world that is rapidly moving in the other direction on both fronts. I send you this letter because that very same future is in store for us in healthcare if we are not vigilant about preparing clinically and operationally for these emerging populations of the 21st century. It is our biggest opportunity for greatness and growth in the next millennium or, if we ignore these early indications, it will be our greatest threat. It is with the former notion in mind that I am writing to you today.

For the last year my partners and I have been talking throughout our industry about both the opportunity and the potential threat that lies before us all. And we know that all of you see what we see to some degree because we have received 100% agreement that we must begin to prepare today for the needs of an increasingly more diverse patient population. In fact, the only reason we haven’t been swamped with your requests for assistance with our products and services is an administrative concern over 1) time to address this imperative, 2)funding to support its implementation or 3)internal and external exposure of performance deficiencies that might be revealed via our survey and certification process. Well, we have been listening to those concerns and have been working to provide you with several answers that will allow you to expedite your journey toward self-discovery and action with regard to delivering more culturally competent care in your organization.

I. Finding the Time We are not magicians, so, we can’t create more time for you to get all of the things done that you need to do. But, we can offer you a highly modular and flexible program for measuring your performance against the CLAS standards and providing you with that all important roadmap for improvement. You only need to call us and give us an opportunity to customize our survey or our training modules to meet your specific needs.

II. Finding the Funds We also can’t create money. The mint would frown on that. But, through our partnership with Dagaz Partners, a nationally known Six Sigma operational efficiency and productivity consulting group, we can offer you a customized program that will simultaneously uncover real and significant cost savings while we are uncovering meaningful cultural competency based risks and opportunities. Why not work with us to build your bottom line today and your business for all of your tomorrows.

III. Protecting against Exposure There shouldn’t be any sort of negative consequence for facilities that are courageous enough to want to know where they stand on this critical strategic imperative. The important thing is finding out where you stand today while you have time to respond and prosper. That’s why we are offering the option of competency measurement via a confidential assessment and consulting engagement as opposed to our public survey and certification process. Through this option you will find most of the same performance information on your facility at your exclusive disposal without any internal or external access to any kind of rating or certification level. We are not the government nor are we agents for the government. We really are here to help. All you have to do is call.

So, please gives CMCHO a second look today and call us with your needs. As you can see, we listen well and we are here to serve you.

Sincerely,

Lawrence W. James President & CEO