Cultural Competence Task Force
The mission of the Cultural Competence task force is to increase the capacity of Greater Lowell health care and human service providers to achieve positive outcomes with all patients/clients. By bringing providers together with representatives of diverse/underserved community groups, we work to improve communication between providers and patients/clients, share promising strategies and tools, learn about each other’s experiences, and develop joint projects to educate both providers and patients/clients.
We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month from 10:00 AM to Noon at the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Lowell, 40 Church Street in Lowell.
2010 Meeting Schedule
Purpose of Meetings
- The meeting agenda is developed by the committee members and reflects current issues of concern. By sharing ideas and working together, we develop and implement important projects that would be beyond the scope of any one individual or organization. Meetings also give us the opportunity to network, to announce new programs, to share ideas, and to receive suggestions and encouragement from other members. On occasion, we invite special guests to provide more insight into a particular topic.
Membership
- Anyone with an interest and commitment to the Task Force’s purpose is welcome to attend. If you share our dream of community service relationships that have effectiveness and impact in Greater Lowell, you belong here! Our work has been of particular interest to health care, human service and government staff, at every level – such as board members, executive directors, program directors, department managers, case managers, outreach workers, physicians, clinicians, interpreters, community relations directors, clergy, government officials, and community members.
Expectations
- The Task Force operates as a roundtable with shared responsibilities and decision-making. Sharing honestly, maintaining an atmosphere of trust and respect, and listening carefully with an open mind are primary expectations of all members. Our intention is to model the kind of communication and work process that we are advocating for throughout the health care/human service system.
Task Force Members
- Formed in 2000, the Committee's members include representatives from Lowell Community Health Center, Lowell General Hospital, Saints Medical Center, African Assistance Center, Department of Public Health, Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Lowell, Rape Crisis Center, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), Latin American Health Institute, Lowell House, and Merrimack Valley Area Health Education Center (MVAHEC).
For more information or to join our mailing list please contact:
Sheila Och, Director of Community Health Promotion
Lowell Community Health Center
15-17 Warren Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01852
Tel: 978-746-7838
Email: Sheilaoc@lchealth.org
