Briar Cliff Hosts Achieving Cultural Awareness in Health Care Conference
April 15, 2024
(Sioux City, Iowa – April 15, 2024) The Briar Cliff University Center for Interprofessional Education, Practice, and Scholarship proudly hosted the "Achieving Cultural Awareness in Health Care" conference, which took place on April 12th. The conference addressed health disparities by educating students and professionals on the critical importance of delivering evidence-based care to culturally diverse populations.
The event drew an audience of healthcare practitioners, educators, and community members ready to deepen their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare.
A key highlight of the conference was the exploration of the healthcare needs of refugees. Speakers from organizations including the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Mary J. Treglia Community House, and Catholic Charities led engaging sessions addressing various aspects of refugee healthcare.
Attendees were treated to insightful presentations, including:
- The Basics of Refugee Status and the First 90 Days of Resettlement: Presented by representatives from Lutheran Services in Iowa and Mary J. Treglia Community House.
- Overseas and Domestic Health Screening Process for Refugees, Medical Needs of Refugees: Insights provided by experts from the Iowa DHHS.
- Mental Health Services and Programs for Refugees; Common Needs and Barriers to Mental Health Care: Discussions led by Catholic Charities and Lutheran Services in Iowa.
- The Lived Experience of Former Refugees, Panel Discussion/Q&A: A platform for real-life perspectives and interactive dialogue.
"We love seeing the success of the 'Achieving Cultural Awareness in Health Care' conference," said Soren Grieve, Assistant Professor for Health Sciences at Briar Cliff University. "This event has empowered our community to take meaningful steps towards reducing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to quality care for all."
The conference concluded with participants leaving equipped with valuable insights to apply in their professional and community endeavors.