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Acting Commissioner Kristin M. Woodlock, RN, MPA
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Bureau of Cultural Competence

"No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Bureau of Cultural Competence is dedicated to promoting effective changes in policy, procedure, and practices by the infusion of cultural and linguistic competency throughout New York State’s Mental Health system.

Mission Statement:
"To assist agencies with elimination of disparities within mental health for people of diverse backgrounds through training and technical support."

Vision Statement:
"Mental Health for all, disparities for none."

Cultural Competence is: attributes of a behavioral healthcare organization that describe the set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, skills, policies, and procedures that are promoted and endorsed to enable caregivers at all levels of the organization to work effectively and efficiently with persons and communities of all cultural backgrounds. An important element of cultural competence is the capacity to overcome structural barriers in healthcare delivery that sustain health and healthcare disparities across cultural groups. (Adapted from Cross et al, 1989)

The Bureau of Cultural Competence integrates cultural competence through the following functions:

  • Conduct comprehensive trainings on the importance of infusing cultural and linguistic competence throughout agency policies and clinical practices.
  • Participate in agency workgroups and meetings to ensure cultural competence is implemented within program policies.
  • Monitor the advancement of research through the Centers of Excellence.
  • Provide technical assistance to OMH facilities as well as agencies licensed by OMH.
  • Facilitate quarterly meetings between the Office of Mental Health and the Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Comments or questions about the information on this page can be directed to the Bureau of Cultural Competence.