Title
To honor and recognize the Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) on the occasion of its 15th Anniversary.
Body
WHEREAS, the Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) was formed in 2003, to integrate cultural competence as a cornerstone of Ohio’s behavioral health system - in 2006 MACC conducted the first ever-statewide mental health needs assessment among eleven racial, ethnic and cultural communities titled, “Learning Your Needs” Cultural Competence Needs Assessment Project” - this project was updated in 2008 to include the Somali culture; and in 2010 - MACC worked with the ODMH, Ohio state departments/agencies, cultural organizations, consumers/families and others to adopt the first in the nation state cultural competence definition; and
WHEREAS, Cultural Competence is a continuous learning process that builds knowledge, awareness, skills and capacity to identify, understand and respect the unique beliefs, values, customs, languages, abilities and traditions of all Ohioans in order to develop policies to promote effective programs and services; and
WHEREAS, MACC is the only statewide organization committed to enhancing the quality of health care by incorporating culturally competent practices into the systems and organizations that provide services to Ohio’s diverse populations; and
WHEREAS, Ohio faces a number of disparate health outcomes that are the result of a lack of knowledge and understanding about the diverse racial and ethnic populations being served - MACC is equipping providers and systems with the necessary tools and best practices to enhance their delivery of care; and
WHEREAS, MACC has a vision that is committed to improving Ohio’s health care system to make sure that it actively provides culturally competent practices and interventions that will lead to optimal outcomes for individuals who seek services provided by these systems in the State of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, MACC regularly sponsors lectures, conferences, educational seminars and research to promote cultural competence, the elimination of health disparities and the development of assessment tools and strategies to assist organizations and individuals; and
WHEREAS, MACC will host its 15th Anniversary Reception, which will be included with the annual statewide conference at Creekside Conference and Event Center in Gahanna, Ohio on September 26, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this council does hereby congratulate the Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence on their 15th Anniversary and wish them continued success as they promote cultural proficiency and skills development for physical and mental health professionals and providers throughout the state of Ohio.