This module introduces the concept that diversity begins with an appreciation for the uniqueness of each person. Exploring one’s own heritage and identity is the first step toward greater self-awareness of how one’s personal cultural values, assumptions, and beliefs influence their delivery of care. Through formal presentation and interactive exercises, participants will learn the “dimensions of diversity” and aspects of identity beyond ethnic culture.

Through formal presentation, film, and group discussion, this module provides a theoretical context for concepts that will be examined throughout the training - including health disparities and their sources and solutions, stereotyping, personal cultural competence, cultural humility, and organizational cultural competence.

Providing health services requires knowledge and understanding of socioeconomic influences on health beliefs and behaviors in the communities being served (Metzl & Hansen, 2014). In order to enhance participants’ structural competency, this module utilizes didactic instruction, film discussion, and interactive group exercises to reach beyond a superficial analysis of the social context of health problems, to give participants a deeper understanding of how social inequality and oppression negatively impact an individual’s health and use of health services.

HHC offers a comprehensive ten-hour version of the CC& DI curriculum, and a modified four-hour version. Information and cost is available from Grace Damio, Director of Training: graced@hispanichealth.com.

HHC’s CC&DI Training Team

Grace Damio, MS, CD/N, is Director of Research and Training at the Hispanic Health Council (HHC). Ms. Damio joined HHC in 1986 and has developed and overseen many of HHC’s initiatives designed to reduce health disparities. Ms. Damio has been HHC’s lead on the development and evaluation of community health worker service models for health promotion and chronic disease management. Ms. Damio developed the original cross cultural training curriculum that is currently being used in various modified formats for HHC’s Cross Cultural & Diversity Inclusiveness initiative, and currently oversees this initiative. Ms. Damio has worked with a number of academic and clinical partners, including her role as deputy director of the (NIH) Center for Eliminating Health Disparities among Latinos (CEHDL) from 2005-2011. Ms. Damio has co-authored many articles published in peer-reviewed journals. She serves on several local, statewide and national boards and committees related to addressing health inequities through research and policy change. Ms. Damio holds a bachelor’s degree in community nutrition from the University of Connecticut and master’s degree in public health nutrition from Columbia University. 

Michele Stewart Copes, MS, MSW, is a Cross Cultural Trainer in HHC’s CC&DI Initiative. Ms. Copes joined HHC in 2016. She is a national trainer and consultant in system of care and cultural competency coaching, holds the National Supervisor Coach Wraparound Certification, and has provided wraparound training, and coaching in 20 states and Canada. At the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Office of Multicultural Health, Ms. Copes worked with the Multicultural Health Advisory Commission and chaired the Workforce Development Committee of the Connecticut Multicultural Health Partnership. At Southern Connecticut State University, she taught the Cultural Competency class in the Master of Public Health Program, and at the World of Difference Office of the Anti-Defamation League, she worked with teachers and students to increase diversity skills. Ms Copes was appointed to the National Partnership for Action’s New England Regional Health Equity Council.  In addition to her work with HHC, Ms. Copes operates SEET Consultants, LLC, System for Education Equity & Transition, and is a Principal with Health & Equity LLC. Ms. Copes holds a Master in Social Work from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Central Connecticut State University.

Ivonne Lopez, MA, is a Cross Cultural Trainer in HHC’s CC&DI Initiative. Ms. Lopez joined HHC in 2016. Ms. Lopez has done domestic and international education, training and advocacy work in academic, corporate and community settings. Her work has focused on issues related to culture, gender, sexual harassment and violence, economic development and environmental issues. She has also worked as a case manager, patient service associate, employment specialist and human resource intern. She holds a Master of Arts in Global Development and Peace Studies from the University of Bridgeport.