Southern Oregon University offers seminar to help health professionals understand cutlural differences that can be barriers to quality care

Jackson County Mental Health specialist Alejandra Moreno has seen Hispanic clients misdiagnosed or labeled as mentally ill when they weren’t because of communication problems and cultural misconceptions.

"The same disorder might look different in a Hispanic person than in an Anglo because of our different mourning traditions or practices of disciplining our children," she said.

To help health and human service professionals understand those differences, Southern Oregon University is offering a 10-week seminar on cultural issues linked to caring for Hispanic patients. Students can cap off the course with a trip to Mexico.

"As the valley’s Latino population increases, we want to make sure providers can serve them with cultural competence," said Paul Murray, an SOU psychology professor who will lead the seminar.

The National Mental Health Association and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare have encouraged health care organizations and practitioners to embrace "cultural competency" — an effort to respond to culturally specific attitudes and customs in mental health care settings.

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SOU, its sister school in Mexico, University of Guanajuato, and Jackson County Mental Health agreed in 2000 to collaborate in training students, faculty and working professionals. Tight budgets prevented the program from taking off until this year, organizers said.

"We are pulling out all the stops," Murray said. "It’s not just a professor offering a class. We’re bringing in experts so people can get a better sense of the community."

SOU history Professor Gary Miller, who attended universities in Mexico and Spain and worked in hospital administration, will discuss the history of Mexico, Central America, the southwestern United States, Oregon and the Rogue Valley.

He will relate how history still influences Latino communities here.

Professors from SOU and the University of Guanajuato will discuss communication, activism and the criminal justice system in the U.S. and Mexico.

John Almaguer, a senior attorney for Catholic Charities Immigration Services, will discuss immigration law.

Social workers and counselors will talk about specific strategies for working with Hispanic patients. Moreno is planning a presentation on working with children and families.

To cap off the course, SOU will offer a separate two-week immersion experience in Mexico.

Participants will stay with families, attend seminars and visit community health clinics and government officials who make health policy in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Michoacán and Jalisco.

"It’s a rare opportunity and should be an excellent experience," said Murray, who has attended and presented at psychology conferences in Mexico.

Students can sign up for the two components of SOU’s course separately or plan to take both. They can earn credit toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree or continuing education credits required for professional certification.

"We would love to make this a regular offering," said Josie Wilson, dean of SOU’s School of Social Science, Health and Physical Education.

Reach reporter Anita Burke at 776-4485, or e-mail aburke@mailtribune.com.