There are significant differences in the health status of various multicultural groups, especially with regard to prevalent, highly treatable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancer. Also, there are well-documented disparities in the medical treatment of members of diverse populations.

This trend does not bode well for healthcare institutions or the increasingly diverse patient population that will require care from these facilities. Finding a way to meet the varied needs of a fast-growing multicultural population is essential to the continued health of our healthcare system and our national economy.

So why is cultural competency a business imperative? Several reasons, including the following:

• Today's customers are becoming more savvy and demand more sensitivity to their personal and cultural needs.
• Few in the health care industry dare to claim this benefit.
• Cultural competency is easily recognized by patients and families.
• It represents the "icing on the cake" with potential to create outstanding differentiation for your institution.

• A multitude of changes, including operational changes (how they do what they do) and cultural changes (attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that influence how they do what they do).
• Top-down commitment (great leadership, modeling and reinforcement).
• Consistent delivery (every day).

CMCHO was created by a team of culturally and professionally diverse healthcare thought leaders to certify hospital systems in multicultural competency, using the standards developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. CMCHO conducts on-site surveys of healthcare organizations, during which its members evaluate leadership attitudes, beliefs and behaviors; current policies and procedures; and resulting clinical outcomes. Certification from CMCHO will reflect the enhanced quality of patient care your hospital provides, highlight the diligence and cultural awareness of your staff, and offer an attractive marketing platform for efforts to distinguish yourself from your competition.

FOR ADVOCACY GROUPS

In the world of community advocacy, your motivation is clear. You exist because the people you represent need an organizational voice that is stronger and more influential than they are individually. Your strength comes from them and your deep understanding of their many societal needs. And from healthcare, you know they need a higher level of comfort and trust in an industry that historically has not generated either to any meaningful degree. You know that increased comfort and trust in healthcare will, in turn, generate greater acceptance of interventional treatments and greater compliance with preventive and recuperative instructions. And you know that greater acceptance and compliance will, in turn, deliver more positive clinical outcomes and a higher quality of life for the people who have put their trust and faith in you.

CMCHO puts all of these positive conditions in motion by building a systematic measurement of accountability where before there was none. Through CMCHO, your organization and its constituents can determine which healthcare providers are focused on them and their health, and delivering positive results. Armed with that knowledge, you and your constituents will be empowered to reward those who deserve to be rewarded with your healthcare dollars and your endorsement.

With CMCHO, everyone wins. Your community receives the quality healthcare they deserve. Hospitals receive the consumer loyalty they desire. And your organization realizes the satisfaction that comes from achieving a higher level of mission and vision fulfillment behind one initiative. CMCHO is here for you and the diverse communities you represent.