Cross-cultural health the focus of June 15 events

Issues such as language access, cultural differences between immigrant and Western medicine and race and ethnicity all affect the ability of a health system to respond to the needs of patients.

Community event David Hunt also will participate in a community event on the evening of June 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nomad Lounge at 1013 Jones St. The event, which is open to the public, will focus on business, medical and legal cases for language access services to limited English proficient and disabled patients. For more information contact Stephon McNeill at 559-9660.

Cultural competency is an issue central to UNMC’s mission, critical for the health of patients and integral in the education of future health care providers.

“Regardless of whether people come here for care or students choose UNMC for their professional education, we want the experience to be one that is welcoming, culturally sensitive and inclusive,” said Sharon Palmer, graduate recruiter/retention specialist in the Office of Student Equity and Multicultural Affairs. “Often, small improvements can make a big difference.”

UNMC faculty and staff will have the opportunity to hear from a national expert in cross-cultural health. David Hunt who will present a seminar titled, “The Culturally Responsive Hospital — Addressing Race, Culture and Language Challenges” on June 15 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Durham Research Auditorium.

Free lunch will be available to all participants.

A second presentation — specifically for UNMC educators and academic administrators — will focus on curriculum, teaching methods, cultural competency and the importance of a global health science educational environment. It will be held at 3 p.m. in the College of Nursing, second floor commons.

For more information, contact Sharon Palmer at skpalmer@unmc.edu or call 559-6895.