You Can't Eliminate Disparities Without Cultural Sensitivity
Abstract
You Can't Eliminate Disparities Without Cultural SensitivityEve Bender  Next SectionPrevention is invaluable for reducing the prevalence of co-occurring disorders in minority populations, according to information presented at the most recent OMNA on Tour meeting. Previous Section An impassioned group of addiction specialists, mental health advocates, clergy, consumers, and family members gathered in Los Angeles in July to tackle a problem complex in nature and broad in scope: co-occurring disorders in diverse populations. The daylong meeting, held at the California Endowment in downtown Los Angeles, was the fifth and largest of APA's OMNA on Tour series, launched in 2005 by APA's Office of Minority and National Affairs (OMNA) to engage communities to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care. OMNA on Tour gathers mental health experts in Los Angeles to strategize on reducing health care disparities and co-occurring disorders. From left are participants Altha Stewart, M.D., Carl Bell, M.D., Annelle Primm, M.D., and Donald Vereen Jr., M.D. Credit: Eve Bender More than 200 people representing a multitude of racial and ethnic backgrounds and professional disciplines attended the Los Angeles meeting. Presenters and attendees shared insights on the impact of co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse in