Multiculturalism

NASBHC is committed to multiculturalism, a process of change by which we learn to recognize, understand, and appreciate our own cultural identities, as well as the similarities and differences of people from other cultural groups. These cultural groups are based upon a variety of characteristics and can include race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, job status, religion, immigrant status, language, and nationality (VISIONS, Inc).

NASBHC believes multiculturalism can be realized through the involvement of students, family members, advocates, providers, and school-based health center (SBHC) staff in improving the quality of care in SBHCs. We believe that SBHC users and their communities should have a voice at the local, state, and national levels.

NASBHC’s priorities for this work are:

1. Building a more diverse leadership
2. Involving those who access services and the larger community in the SBHC movement
3. Identifying available tools and resources for SBHC’s that represent NASBHC’s dedication to multiculturalism and promote culturally competent practice.

For more information, visit our Multiculturalism Resources page for reports and guides on how to include culturally competent care in your SBHC.