Plenary 1: Presidential Address - From Cultural Competence to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Implications for Public Health Education

Over the past several decades, cultural competence has been advocated in health education and health promotion as one of several approaches to address the health needs of diverse populations, reduce persistent health disparities, and promote health and health equity. Within the past decade, as the nation has become more diverse and has dealt with issues surrounding racism, systematic bias, and the social determinants that impact the health of the country, the need for the incorporation of topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) has become more prominent as we continue to prepare a public health education workforce with the necessary competencies to understand and address the needs of the population. During this presentation, the presenter will discuss the professional journey from cultural competence to DEIJ and its implications for public health education.  

Participants should leave this webinar being able to: 

1) Explain the concepts of cultural competence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and their implications for public health education. 

2) Apply strategies for incorporating the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into the professional preparation of current and future public health education professionals.

Competencies that will be covered include: 

8.4.4: Educate others about the history of the profession, its current status, and its implications for professional practice. 

8.1.6: Apply principles of cultural humility, inclusion, and diversity in all aspects of practice (e.g., Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and culturally responsive pedagogy).