RAINBOW ACCESS INITIATIVE. Vision Statement. Rainbow Acces

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RAINBOW ACCESS INITIATIVE
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Vision Statement

• Rainbow Access Initiative's (RAI) vision is the
  elimination of barriers between health and human
  service providers and the disenfranchised
  community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
  transgender people.

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Mission Statement

• RAIs mission is to ensure that comprehensive
  physical and mental health care and human
  services are provided to the LGBT community and
  their families.
• RAI is particularly dedicated to under served
  populations including people of color, people
  with disabilities, and those living in rural
  areas.
• We will achieve this mission through the
  establishment of a two-tiered educational
  program one for LGBT consumers, and one for
  providers.

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Language

• Because language is a communication symbol
  infused with political and social meaning,
  addressing issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
  transgender people cn be especially difficult..
• It is essential that the language you use is
  inclusive, respectful, and comfortable for the
  audience with which you are working.

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Safety

• Confidentiality is a ground rule, but very often,
  within work environments, its not possible to
  ensure protection for all.
• LGBT people are particular vulnerable, and may be
  uncomfortable attending sessions.
• Discussion must be honest and thoughtful,
  without homophobic outbursts.

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Cultural Competency

• Current research and literature point to
  overwhelming disparities in the health status of
  people of color when compared to whites. Similar
  disparities exist for LGBT people.
• Cultural competency ensures that all persons
  entering the health care system, regardless of
  race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender
  identity receive fair and equal treatment.

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The Components of Culturally Competent Care

• A clinical system of care-giving that
  acknowledges the importance of culture and the
  dynamics that result from cultural differences
• Adaptation of services to meet unique cultural
  needs
• Recognition of the role of the dominant cultural
  system in all of our lives, and the privileging
  of certain groups of people
• Acknowledgment of the role of your own
  background.

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• LGBT people of color deal with an enormous
  amount of misinformation and bias regarding their
  health care needs.