The minority population in Ohio increased by 20% between 2000 and 2010, and is still growing.  In response to this changing trend, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) wanted to create a culturally competent workforce and environment to more effectively engage this growing population and reduce health disparities in Ohio.

RAMA convened interdisciplinary workgroups to develop the ODH Cultural Competency Standards.  Given the diversity within ODH, the Standards ensure clearly defined goals that can be implemented in a way targeted to individual work unit needs and processes. RAMA also designed an electronic toolkit to provide the resources for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of progress toward cultural competency goals.  Additionally, over 98% of ODH employees received cultural competence training through a partnership with the Multiethnic Advocate for Cultural Competence. These layered components have helped ODH ensure employees are aware of cultural competency implications and unify the department in providing appropriate and effective services to the community.