Cultural Responsiveness Committee

Purpose

The purpose of the Behavioral Health Cultural Responsiveness Committee (BHCRC) is to strengthen Behavioral Health’s ability to provide client, family and community-driven, culturally and linguistically responsive services to Humboldt County’s diverse population. The efforts of the BHCRC will be guided by the values of wellness, recovery, inclusion, respect, social justice, equality and equity as they collaborate with all divisions and programs of Behavioral Health to promote client/family/community-driven and culturally responsive attitudes and practices.

Vision

The vision of the BHCRC is to strengthen our commitment to building relationships that are authentic and culturally responsive to the needs of community and staff.

Mission

The mission of the BHCRC is to support and advise the Behavioral Health Branch of DHHS to strengthen its ability to provide client, family and community-driven, culturally and linguistically responsive services to Humboldt County’s diverse populations, guided by the values of wellness, recovery, inclusion, respect, social justice, equality and equity.

Goals 

The goals of the Cultural Responsiveness Committee will include those established in the Humboldt County Cultural Competency Plan submitted to the California Department of Health Care Services. The committee’s objectives will be based on the plan. 

Projects will be guided by the following framework:

  • Develop and maintain a broadly representative committee that is reflective of this community
  • Continue to identify disparities and service needs through analyzing data
  • Develop, articulate and implement current culturally specific service delivery strategies
  • Identify training opportunities for all staff to increase cultural awareness and foster inclusivity
  • Identify advocacy training opportunities for unserved and underserved cultural groups
  • Strengthen the hiring and retaining of culturally and linguistically competent staff
  • Improve language capacity
  • Continue to improve the ability to identify and provide (or refer) clients to culturally relevant programs
  • Assess the degree to which Behavioral Health environments are welcoming to diverse cultures and implement strategies to increase the sense of welcoming.

Members

Facilitators

Oliver Gonzalez – Mental Health Services Act Program Manager 

Elvira Schwarz – Quality Improvement Program Manager 

The BHCRC is comprised of employees from various programs within Behavioral Health, as well as clients, family members and other community partners.

Meeting Times

Date: First Thursday of every month 
Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: Currently online.

Contact Us

Are you interested in joining the Cultural Responsiveness Committee? Contact us today.

BHCRC@co.humboldt.ca.us