Quality Insights’ commitment to Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) has significantly elevated the approach to quality improvement as well as provider and beneficiary engagement. The National CLAS Standards have been utilized to inform the process of resource creation and community outreach to be able to provide education according to best practices of health literacy and cultural sensitivity. Internal assessment and education surrounding CLAS has resulted in lessons learned as well as improvement in outreach to partners and providers.
Health equity champion LaDawna Walker Dean reached providers on the topic of CLAS with the webinar entitled “Introduction to Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS): Fostering Inclusivity in Healthcare.” As a result, 100% of learners increasing their knowledge levels and reporting increased confidence levels. Among Partnerships for Community Health, education was implemented surrounding CLAS and has sparked important conversations and discussions resulting in networking, collaboration, and positive steps towards achieving adherence to the National CLAS Standards. With many learners beginning with little or no familiarity with CLAS, this has been a crucial topic and area of outreach.