A Strategic Plan for Inclusion of Cultural and Linguistic Minorities within A Community-Based Coalition: The Healthy Malden Initiative
Malden, Massachusetts is an urban city with a population of 53,000 and a per capita income of $15,820. Currently, Malden has a rapidly increasing immigrant population. Asians and Haitians represent the largest newcomers at 16% and 4%--the third highest in the State. Malden High School now has a majority “minority” population of 52% with 61 languages spoken. Due to discrimination, and language and access barriers, Malden’s immigrants are at increased risk for a host of health and social problems. To address these issues and better serve Malden’s cultural minorities, Healthy Malden, Inc. has developed a comprehensive 4-pronged initiative to reduce prejudice and increase cultural competency. Established 7 years’ ago as a partnership between the Mayor’s Office and the local hospital, Healthy Malden, Inc. is the umbrella for 9 community task forces that address identified community health issues. Task force members represent all segments of the community--government, education, healthcare, mental health, faith community, businesses, social services, youth-serving organizations, advocacy groups, children and families. Components of the new initiative include: (1) community-led discussions on diversity guided by the national organization Study Circles; (2) mini-conferences implemented by newcomer populations; (3) youth-led prejudice reduction initiatives guided by the National Conference on Social Justice and the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes; and (4) a community-wide diversity day. Through an independent evaluation, this model is being assessed using both quantitative and qualitative measures.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to do the following. 1. Understand how changing demographics impact a community and the work of community-based coalitions. 2. Realize the importance of serving cultural and linguistic minorities within a community coalition. 3. Learn about an innovative four-pronged model for serving cultural and linguistic minorities and how to evaluate such an approach. 4. Identify and implement coalition strategies to become more inclusive of their communities.
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Community Health Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.