Welcome

We are excited to have this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you.   We are the Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence and our goal is to address a growing need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health care in New York State. 

As you explore this site, you’ll become familiar with our efforts to improve the cultural and linguistic competence in health care delivery through the funding of innovative projects developed by community-based organizations.  This endeavor will lead to a Learning Collaborative, a network of local service providers working together to improve the physical health of patients with mental illness.

The Center hopes to improve the efficacy of care networks in a true partnership with stakeholders that include the NYS Office of Mental Health’s Multicultural Advisory Committee, clinical and service providers, consumers of mental health services, their families and concerned residents.  This includes in-depth qualitative data collection; the publishing of review papers, reports and articles; and the development of culturally-appropriate psychiatric screening instruments.

Currently, we are embarking on several projects to enhance the integration of physical and mental health services in three communities of Northern Manhattan: Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood.  These projects will involve our direct engagement with these communities, conducting research activities and assessing socio-cultural factors that impact the mental health of Northern Manhattan residents.

What we learn from this process will be disseminated to similar communities throughout the state, tailored to their unique differences, as we continue to expand our reach beyond Northern Manhattan in the field of cultural competence and mental health care delivery. 

In addition to the information provided here, there’s a space where you’re invited to share your thoughts about this site and the work we’re doing in New York.  In the true spirit of collaboration, you can even share with us your hopes and dreams for sustaining the health of these communities.