Cultural competency: a path to deliver healthcare to ethnic minority and aboriginal populations

An understanding of traditional world views and cultural imperatives by social workers and healthcare practitioners is an important step for mental wellness and empowerment. Community mental health workers/social workers face challenges working with street-involved mentally ill populations with addictions. These populations frequently visit hospitals. It is important to document and understand the unique positions of clients in order to assist and provide culturally competent healthcare. Therefore it is important that social workers and other mental health workers learn about traditional and cultural values in relation to health and mental illness. Cultural competence along with adequate resources can enhance the function of people with mental illness. Continuous work towards the process of suitable housing and cultural practices could enhance the functioning of mentally ill populations. --P. ii.