2009 Statewide Conference Explores Somali Culture and Promotes Cross-Systems Collaboration

MACC hosted its sixth annual conference at the Concourse Hotel in Columbus on October 1-2, 2009. Nearly 170 participants attended the conference that highlighted the needs of the Somali community. "New Shores: Health and Social Services Messages for Emerging Populations" was designed to address the challenges that Somalis face as newly arriving residents in the state of Ohio. Additionally, the conference invited over one dozen state agencies that provide critical services to Somalis to learn more efective strategies to reach this emerging population.

Henry Guzmán Receives MACC 2009 “Enlightened Kaleidoscope” Award

MACC presented the 2009 “Enlightened Kaleidoscope” Award during their recognition luncheon held on October 2, 2009 (6th Statewide Training Conference and Annual meeting) at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus. “Mr. Guzmán has been a champion in developing strategies and programs to meet the needs of racial, ethnic and cultural communities particularly, Veterans and their families.  He has worked tirelessly to ensure public professionals are developing skills to meet the needs of Ohio’s diverse populations”, stated MACC’s Executive Director, Charleta Tavares. Mr. Guzmán is the former director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) where he worked with his staff to develop a cultural competence initiative that holds each department accountable for developing strategies and tools in order to become more culturally appropriate in the delivery of services and programs.  The ODPS continues to showcase their accomplishments and share their strategies with other departments, agencies and individuals both internally and externally. Guzmán served as director of Public Service for the cities of Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio and Public Safety for Cleveland.

MACC and Cultural Competence Content Work Group Announce
Research Advisory Committee

On July 9, 2009 The Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, Inc. (MACC) and the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) announced the selection of a statewide Research Advisory Committee (RAC) that will lead the state’s efforts to set a cultural competence research agenda. 

MACC and ODMH have worked collaboratively to address disparities in mental health over the last decade.  Most recently, they partnered to conduct the first ever “Learning Your Needs” Statewide Cultural Competence Needs Assessment (2006; 2008). The assessments provided valuable information on how to serve and address the needs of 11 specific racial, ethnic and cultural groups. The RAC will supplement the learning and develop specific tools that may eliminate disparities in mental health for these racial and ethnic communities. The RAC will meet in September to set its work, resource and staff plans. 

Somali Businessman and Humanitarian Receives MACC 2008 “Enlightened Kaleidoscope” Award
The Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) awarded their 2008 “Enlightened Kaleidoscope” Award to Mahdi Taakilo, President of the Somali Link newspaper and President of the Board of Helping Africans in a New Direction (H.A.N.D).

“Cultural Competence in Recovery: Breaking the Bonds of Illness, Poverty and Violence”
- Conference 2008
Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio. September 18-19, 2008
Gloria Reuben will be the featured speaker for their 2008 Annual Meeting and Statewide Training Conference.
 
MACC is proud to partner with CARE Columbus
CARE Columbus is a training and education program that provides information and strategies for delivering cross-culturally competent health care and human services to our community’s diverse cultural populations.
 
MACC Releases Report on Somali Mental Health Needs
On August 12, 2008 MACC announced the release of their 2008 “Learning Your Needs” Updated Cultural Competence Needs Assessment Report featuring new mental health information on the Somali community.
 
MACC Announces Officers of Statewide Team on Cultural Competence
On January 13, 2007, Charleta B. Tavares, Executive Director of the Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) announced the creation of a statewide advisory and planning team for cultural competence in behavioral health and other systems of care.
 
Statewide Cultural Competence Needs Assessment Released
The Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) and the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) unveiled MACC’s Statewide Cultural Competence Needs Assessment Report on November 1, 2006.
 
MACC Names Tavares as New Executive Director
(COLUMBUS) - The Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) is pleased to announce the selection of Charleta Tavares as its Executive Director effective April 3, 2006.