An Overview and Evaluation of Cultural Competence Training for Public Health Professionals

Abstract

Cultural competence training for public health professionals was conducted around the state of Florida. The training was a joint effort between the Florida Department of Health and Institute of Public Health at Florida A&M University. The goal of this training was to increase in participants’ knowledge of cultural competence and its relevance in improving the health status of the citizens of Florida. This project was conducted in three phases. The first phase was development of a training curriculum and materials. The curriculum focused on two primary areas, culture and its relationship to health and the Conceptual Framework for the Provision of Culturally Competent Services in Public Health Settings. The second phase was the implementation of the trainings. Six trainings were conducted around the state. Each session was for one full day. Participants were from county health departments and minority community-based organizations that receive funding from the Florida Department of Health. Evaluation of the training project was the third phase. Evaluation occurred on two levels, process and impact. Several different measures indicated that participants learned about culture and cultural competence. All results of the evaluation indicate that the training was an overwhelming success.