United States Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Minority Health
Cultural Competency Curriculum for Disaster Preparedness and Crisis Response
Getting Started
"Learning how to provide culturally sensitive care to a diverse population of patients is a fundamental responsibility for first responders. This engaging case-based interactive program combines relevant information and effective strategies to improve the connections between emergency personnel and patients before, during, and after a disaster. It is an invaluable resource for disaster response clinicians and educators alike as we strive to improve our cultural competency."
Sandy Hunter, Ph.D., NREMT-P
Professor, Paramedic Program, Eastern Kentucky University
If you have taken the program in its entirety and need to retake the program, request an email reset at contact@thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov or 833-485-1664.
Why Use Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Throughout a Disaster?
Have you experienced a time when you did not know how to best serve
individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds before, after, or during a disaster? Did you know that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to suffer
worse outcomes than the general population during every phase of a disaster?
This set of courses is designed to help you deliver culturally and linguistically competent services in disaster situations. Cultural and linguistic competency is the capacity for individuals and organizations to work and communicate effectively in cross-cultural situations. Cultural and linguistic competency can help improve the quality of the care you deliver to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
This free e-learning program from the HHS Office of Minority Health is accredited for up to 9 continuing education credits, at no cost, for emergency medical personnel/first responders, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, and up to 12 hours for dentists. After completing the required Course 1, you may take the remaining courses in any order you like.
This e-learning program is grounded in the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care. These Standards are intended to advance health equity, improve quality, and help eliminate health disparities. The National CLAS Standards provide you with a blueprint for increasing your cultural and linguistic competency.