What is culturally focused healthcare?

Culturally focused healthcare is an approach that considers the cultural, social, and linguistic needs of individuals and communities when providing medical care. It aims to deliver equitable and effective services by understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds.

Why is culturally focused healthcare important for the Black community?

Culturally focused healthcare is crucial for the Black community due to historical disparities in healthcare access and treatment. It helps address mistrust, improves communication, and ensures that healthcare providers understand and respect the unique needs and experiences of Black individuals.

How do Ujima and Roots provide culturally focused healthcare?

Ujima and Roots provide culturally focused healthcare by employing staff who understand the cultural experiences of Black individuals,offering services through a culture-centric lens,and creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel understood and respected.

What are some of the services offered by Ujima?

Ujima offers a range of mental health services, including crisis intervention, case management, and therapy. They also provide classes and workshops for at-risk Black youth to improve life skills and exposure to higher education.

How does Roots Community Health address maternal and infant mortality rates in the Black community?

Roots community Health addresses maternal and infant mortality rates by providing expectant mothers with doulas who offer support from pre-pregnancy through postpartum. This helps improve maternal health outcomes and reduces the risk of infant mortality.

What is the Ubuntu Wellness initiative?

The Ubuntu Wellness initiative, run by Ujima, hosts group activities like hiking, gardening, and cultural workshops to foster community health and a sense of belonging within the Black community. Ubuntu means 'I am because we are,' emphasizing the importance of community in African cultures.

How can I support culturally focused healthcare initiatives in my community?

You can support culturally focused healthcare initiatives by volunteering, donating to organizations like Ujima and Roots, advocating for policies that promote health equity, and educating yourself and others about the importance of cultural competence in healthcare.

San ⁢Jose Considers Fee Cuts for Cardrooms,‌ Raising Concerns About Oversight

San Jose is considering reducing fees for its two licensed cardrooms, Bay 101 and Casino M8trix, a move that has sparked debate over potential impacts on community safety and police resources. City officials state the reductions aim to lessen ⁣administrative burdens,while some⁤ worry decreased oversight could lead‍ to increased crime and negative social consequences.

The San ‌Jose Police Officers’ Association, in a letter to city‍ councilmembers,⁢ voiced concerns ‍about the potential for negative externalities associated with cardrooms. President Steve Slack highlighted risks such as loan‌ sharking, embezzlement, follow-home robberies, and gambling addictions that ‌damage ⁣families. He warned that reducing fees and oversight, particularly with existing resource⁣ constraints, “will reduce our ability to proactively‌ manage risk to the community ⁣and may result in increased crime,⁤ negative social impacts and further burden our understaffed police department.”

The city’s relationship with the cardrooms has been complex in recent years.In 2020, voters approved a ballot measure, Measure ⁤H, allowing cardroom expansion‌ in exchange for increased tax payments. Though, a 2023 state bill prevented this expansion through 2043, leaving the casinos still obligated to pay the higher taxes. San Jose also ⁣opposed two failed statewide initiatives ⁣in⁣ 2022 that would have expanded sports ⁢betting.

Bay 101 was previously involved in a nearly decade-long lawsuit ⁣with the city regarding ⁤what it deemed “unconstitutionally excessive” government fees. This dispute concluded with a 2020 settlement granting the cardroom regulatory⁣ concessions,including allowing owners to participate in poker tournaments within their casinos. Former Mayor Sam Liccardo, now ⁣a congressman, publicly opposed the settlement due to his concerns about ‍the risks of gambling addiction and its impact on families.

As part of the proposed changes, the city is reviewing potential reductions in services⁣ like⁣ observed patron monitoring, betting limitations, and provisions stimulating play,⁤ with officials suggesting these rules‍ can ⁢be simplified ‌without compromising oversight.

Requests ‌for comment from representatives of Bay 101, Casino M8trix, and ‍the California Gaming Association were not returned.

This story originally appeared in San Jose Spotlight.

Culturally Focused Health Clinics Address Black health Disparities in San Jose

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Culturally Focused Health Clinics Address Black health Disparities in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. – In Santa Clara county, where the African American population is diminishing, two organizations are stepping up to provide culturally focused health services. Ujima Adult & Family Services and roots Community Health are working in tandem to address health disparities and create a sense of belonging for the Black community. these organizations provide vital services, from mental health support to primary care, all through a culture-centric lens.

Ujima Adult & Family Services: A Pillar of Support

Founded in 1991,Ujima Adult & Family Services emerged in response to concerns about the disproportionate number of Black and Latino children in juvenile hall. Yvonne Maxwell, the founder and director, proposed a counseling program tailored for African American youth, securing funding from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Today,Ujima offers a range of mental health services,including crisis intervention,case management,and therapy,all while emphasizing cultural understanding and past context.

“African centered services usually always involve knowledge and understanding of our history, our historical experiences,” Maxwell told San José Spotlight. “What we try to do is to create a space peopel can feel cozy, and then can practice some of these cultural values. They don’t have to explain a lot. We already come from the space of understanding.”

Did you Know? Ujima means “collective work and responsibility” in Swahili, reflecting the organization’s commitment to community.

Ujima’s approach includes addressing misdiagnosis of mental health symptoms, a common issue faced by black individuals within the medical system. By focusing on accurate assessments and evaluations, Ujima aims to treat the right symptoms and avoid the pitfalls of misdiagnosis or inappropriate medication.

Roots Community Health: Building Trust and Cultural Understanding

Roots community Health, which originated in Oakland, expanded to San Jose in 2017. Chief Administrative Officer Alma Burrell emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients and employing staff who understand the cultural experiences of Black individuals. This approach is notably critical given the higher mortality rates for Black infants and mothers.

“It starts with listening, not being in a rush, but actually listening and paying attention. Paying attention to what’s being said, and then responding to it from that shared cultural lens,” Burrell told San José Spotlight.

Data from the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that from 2017 to 2022, Black infants in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties died at an average rate of 8.3 per 1,000 births, more than double the rate for Hispanic/Latino infants (2.7), Asians (2.2), or white infants (2) Silicon Valley Indicators. Similarly, between 2018 and 2023, Black mothers died at an average rate of 69 per 100,000 births, considerably higher than white mothers (18), Latinas (13), and Asians (8).

Pro Tip: Roots Community Health provides doulas to expectant mothers, offering support from pre-pregnancy through postpartum, to combat these disparities.

Community and Belonging: The Ubuntu Wellness Initiative

In addition to mental and physical health services, Ujima focuses on fostering community health and a sense of belonging. The Ubuntu Wellness initiative hosts various group activities, including hiking, gardening, and cultural workshops. These activities aim to create a supportive surroundings where Black individuals can connect, share experiences, and receive affirmation.

Menar Negash, program coordinator with Ubuntu Wellness, emphasizes the importance of community wellness, stating, “That embodies what we’re trying to do. We are people through other people, and being together and working on our community wellness together.”

With the Black community comprising just 2.9% of Santa Clara County’s nearly 2 million residents U.S. Census Bureau, these initiatives provide a crucial lifeline, reinforcing cultural identity and mutual support.

Key Statistics: Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates

Ethnicity	Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 births)	Maternal Mortality Rate (per 100,000 births)
Black	8.3	69
Hispanic/Latino	2.7	13
Asian	2.2	8
White	2.0	18

These statistics underscore the urgent need for culturally focused healthcare services to address the disparities affecting the Black community in Santa Clara county.

What other community-based initiatives could help address these health disparities?

How can healthcare providers improve cultural competency to better serve diverse populations?

evergreen Insights: The Importance of Culturally Competent Healthcare

Culturally competent healthcare addresses the unique cultural, social, and linguistic needs of diverse populations. It recognizes that cultural backgrounds can significantly influence health beliefs, behaviors, and access to care. By integrating cultural awareness into healthcare practices, providers can build trust, improve communication, and deliver more effective and equitable care.

The historical context of healthcare disparities in the Black community includes factors such as systemic racism, implicit bias, and lack of access to quality care. These factors contribute to mistrust in the healthcare system and poorer health outcomes. Organizations like Ujima and Roots are working to bridge this gap by providing culturally sensitive services that affirm and support the Black community’s unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Culturally Focused Healthcare

What is culturally focused healthcare?

Culturally focused healthcare is an approach that considers the cultural, social, and linguistic needs of individuals and communities when providing medical care. It aims to deliver equitable and effective services by understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds.
Why is culturally focused healthcare vital for the Black community?

Culturally focused healthcare is crucial for the Black community due to historical disparities in healthcare access and treatment. It helps address mistrust, improves communication, and ensures that healthcare providers understand and respect the unique needs and experiences of Black individuals.
How do Ujima and Roots provide culturally focused healthcare?

Ujima and Roots provide culturally focused healthcare by employing staff who understand the cultural experiences of Black individuals, offering services through a culture-centric lens, and creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel understood and respected.
What are some of the services offered by Ujima?

ujima offers a range of mental health services, including crisis intervention, case management, and therapy. they also provide classes and workshops for at-risk Black youth to improve life skills and exposure to higher education.
How does Roots Community Health address maternal and infant mortality rates in the Black community?

Roots Community Health addresses maternal and infant mortality rates by providing expectant mothers with doulas who offer support from pre-pregnancy through postpartum. This helps improve maternal health outcomes and reduces the risk of infant mortality.
what is the Ubuntu Wellness initiative?

The Ubuntu Wellness initiative, run by Ujima, hosts group activities like hiking, gardening, and cultural workshops to foster community health and a sense of belonging within the Black community.Ubuntu means “I am because we are,” emphasizing the importance of community in African cultures.
How can I support culturally focused healthcare initiatives in my community?

You can support culturally focused healthcare initiatives by volunteering, donating to organizations like Ujima and Roots, advocating for policies that promote health equity, and educating yourself and others about the importance of cultural competence in healthcare.

Disclaimer: This article provides information about healthcare services and disparities. It is indeed not intended to provide medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Share this article to raise awareness about the importance of culturally focused healthcare! What are your thoughts on the role of community organizations in addressing health disparities? Leave a comment below.

San Jose Spotlight

San Jose Cuts Fees for Casinos, Reduces Gambling Oversight