Developing a Self-Assessment Toolfor Culturally - Office of Minority ...

data collection plan, and should these instruments be used to collect data from a nationalsample of LPHAs, portions of the instructions reflect language for that methodology.3.2.2 ConclusionAs the nation’s communities continue to diversify, the provision of health careservices that address the unique needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populationswill continue to be of increasing importance to the U.S. public health care system. Theproject Developing a Self-Assessment Tool for Culturally and Linguistically AppropriateServices in Local Public Health Agencies designed the self-assessment tool and itscorresponding protocols to collect data from LPHAs, but also can be used by other entitieswithin the U.S. public health care system. In addition, the project was conceived in thebelief that through periodic self-assessment, a health care agency or organization can gain aclearer understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, aid directors in prioritizing andplanning for CLAS, and improve overall health care quality. Effective planning whichtargets identified needs and goals can lead to the development of effective strategies,policies, and ultimately to the implementation of CLAS. If implemented correctly, theprovision of CLAS will better serve a LPHA’s diverse service populations, and in theprocess, aid in the reduction and eventual elimination of racial and ethnic health disparitiesnationwide.COSMOS Corporation, December 2003 3-5