NYS Office of Mental Health Bureau of Cultural Competence (BCC) Celebrated its
4th Bi-Annual Journey Award Winners for 2014-2015
NYS Office of Mental Health Bureau of Cultural Competence (BCC) Celebrated its 4th Bi-Annual Journey Award Winners for 2014-2015 on Monday, March 16th, 2015.
Every two years, the Office of Mental Health (OMH) recognizes behavioral health providers that promote excellence in cultural and linguistic competence within their practices, programs, and service delivery with the Journey Award. On Monday, March 16th, 2015, we had the honor and pleasure of saluting these champions, who take the initiative to provide meaningful access to services for the traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.
Martha Schaefer, Executive Deputy Commissioner of OMH, and Jayne Van Bramer, Senior Associate Commissioner for Child and Adult State Operations, in concert with the Bureau of Cultural Competence and the Multicultural Advisory Committee, presented plaques to the winners to commemorate their outstanding work.
Martha Schaefer thanked all of the winners and gave voice to the infusion of cultural and linguistic competence in the everyday work that is undertaken by OMH and the recipients of service throughout New York State. Jayne Van Bramer solidified the comments by thanking all winners for taking that extra step, going beyond the job description, and ensuring that culture and language are not barriers that leave any recipients of psychiatric services behind.
Dr. Kim, from New York City Children's Center, spoke about the Asian experience and the need for more research on Korean youth and the high incidence of suicide within this community. Dr. Kim has dedicated all of her professional life to making a difference within this community.
Creedmoor Psychiatric Center - OMH Facility
Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, a two time winner of this award, spoke about the award winning work of the 9A Admissions Unit at Creedmoor and the results of “Winnie’s” work in organizing a team that provides service in seven difference languages as needed on any given day whether it be a recipient, a family member, staff, or other stakeholder.
Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center’s Cultural Competence - Diversity Respect Committee had the children sharing Cinderella stories from around the world and asking why Cinderella is so different in each culture they spent reading and talking about.
Each of the winners has demonstrated excellence in cultural and linguistic competence in the service that they deliver to the recipients and their family members. We salute all of you!