This webinar, hosted by the Program to Achieve Wellness, convened a panel of nationally recognized experts to share strategies for, and experiences with, modifying wellness tools and evidence-based practices. These experts are Deborah Altschul, associate professor and department director for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Division of Community Behavioral Health at the University of New Mexico; Poka Laenui, former executive director of Wai’anae Coast Community Mental Health Center; and Alan Rabideau, trainer, and technical assistance provider to federal and tribal programs for mental health initiatives. The panel discusses their experiences in implementing evidence-based practices in their professions and the steps involved in doing so. 

Before implementing any new policies or procedures, organizers must consider which evidence-based practices would be culturally appropriate for implementation. People of different backgrounds face unique challenges and may respond differently to mental health, trauma, and substance use disorders. Providers must consider the community they serve, their culture, and their culturally informed responses to address their needs in an effective and resonant way. Evidence-based practices are not equally effective for people of all cultures. Therefore, culturally appropriate adjustments must be made to these practices before applying them to different cultural groups. 

If you are a community organizer or professional serving culturally diverse communities, please read the supplemental publication Modifying Evidence-Based Practices to Increase Cultural Competence. 

This resource was first shared in 2017. 

(Presentation, YouTube)