Health Literacy: Cultural Competency

The Office of Minority Health established the Center for Linguistic and Cultural Competency in Health Care to address the health needs of populations who speak limited English. Its mission is to collaborate with federal agencies and other public and private entities to enhance the ability of the health care system to effectively deliver linguistically appropriate and culturally competent health care to populations who speak limited English.

The National CLAS Standards include a collective set of mandates and guidelines that inform, guide and facilitate both required and recommended practices related to culturally and linguistically appropriate health services. Developed by the HHS Office of Minority Health in 2000, and updated in 2013 in partnership with a team of subject matter experts and the public, the Enhanced National CLAS Standards reflect the tremendous growth in the fields of cultural and linguistic competency since 2000, address demographic trends and changes, and ensure relevance with new national policies and legislation.

From the National Quality Forum

CE opportunities, information, and resources about CLAS sponsored by the Office of Minority Health.

Part of the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD).

Promotes language and cultural competence to improve the quality of health care for minority, immigrant, and ethnically diverse communities.

Info about cultural beliefs, medical issues, and related topics pertinent to the health care of immigrants to Seattle or the US.

Ethnic-specific geriatric care in the US, an EthnoMed site from Stanford School of Medicine