Accomplishments 2009
The Connecticut Multicultural Partnership was launched in July 2008 as a result of the Connecticut Department of Public Health successfully competing for a federal Minority Health Partnership Program grant. The purpose of the Partnership is to develop and implement a Plan to integrate the federal CLAS Standards (Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health Care Services) into the state’s health care delivery system.

Outcomes: Year One
The main goal for year one was to develop the Plan. To do so, the Officers formed a committee-based structure. Approximately 100 individuals representing a broad range of organizations and agencies signed on as charter members.

2. Plan Developed
The Committees formed and did the planning work respective to their domain. The draft plan was presented to the full Partnership for review and input at the annual meeting in July 2009. Revisions were made and the final draft was submitted to the federal officials for approval.

2. Special Projects Conducted
In addition to the planning work, several projects were developed and implemented to enhance the work of respective committees and the Partnership’s overall impact.

The projects included:
 Inventory of Cultural Competence Training Initiatives/ Courses
 Faces of Health Disparities Exhibit (in process)
 Health Disparities Educational & Training Video (in process)
 Recruit, Engage, and Inspire to Lead (REIL) Project to expand the number and diversity of Partnership members

Additional funding for support these special projects were awarded to the Partnership by the Regional Office of Minority Health, Connecticut Health Foundation and in-kind services from Partnership members.

3. Multicultural Health Network
All Partnership members and those who support the mission of the Partnership are invited to join the Multicultural Health Network, an electronic communications system for sharing information from and to a myriad of national, regional, state and local sources. The Network has been successful in building awareness, availing capacity building opportunities, and providing quality resources.

Projected Outcomes: Year Two
1. Committees will implement the Plan’s first year objectives.
2. Special projects in progress will be completed.
3. Evaluation component is designed and initiated.
4. Grant funds will be secured for year three.
5. Collegial collaborations are sustained and additional collaborations initiated among Partnership members.