Language Assistance
Compensation for Second Language – This is a legislative act that was passed in 2001. This legislation allows for a 10 percent pay increase to any employee whose specific job assignment requires the skill to communicate in a language other than English, including American Sign Language, and which skill is required as a secondary minimum qualification by the classification specification for the position occupied by the employee. OMHHD assisted in developing policy for the Department of Health to guide managers in utilizing this legislation.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) – The LEP Program is based directly on Federal Guidance that states: Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English can be Limited English Proficient, or “LEP.” These individuals may be entitled to language assistance with respect to a particular type of service, benefit or encounter. Policies – Providing meaningful access to LEP persons will ensure that ADH and LEP beneficiaries can communicate effectively and act appropriately based on that communication. Therefore ADH should take reasonable steps to:
- Ensure that LEP persons are given appropriate and adequate information,
- Ensure that LEP persons are able to understand that information and
- Ensure that LEP persons are able to participate effectively in ADH programs and/or activities, where appropriate.
To assist in the above process, OMHHD has provided each Local Health Unit two sets of “I Speak” cards. These are identification cards that allow LEP beneficiaries to identify their language needs to staff and for staff to identify the language needs of clients. The “I Speak” cards invite the LEP person to identify the language he/she speaks. The policy became effective, Oct. 23, 2007.
Organizational Assistance
Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus – The Caucus holds yearly conferences to address the problems endemic to minority Arkansans, to resolve issues in planning for the next legislative session and to produce a legislative agenda for the upcoming session. The Caucus’ mission is to foster economic growth throughout Arkansas and to cultivate opportunities for wealth and a higher standard of living for minority and low-income Arkansans.
News/Events
Pulaski County Barber Beauty Shop Event
The Arkansas Department of Health, community partners and numerous volunteers will host the Arkansas Minority Barber & Beauty Shop Health Initiative on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 8am to 4pm at various locally owned minority barber & beauty shops, colleges and salons in Pulaski County. These establishments represent a cultural institution of familiarity and trust in minority communities, therefore this initiative will aim to provide health information in an environment that is more accessible to the target population. This health initiative will use the Million Hearts campaign to address hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in African American and Latino populations. During the event, FREE blood pressure checks, blood glucose, body mass index, cholesterol screenings and tobacco cessation information will be provided to salon patrons and employees. General health literature and educational materials on chronic disease, tobacco prevention, physical activity and nutrition will also be provided.
Employee Health Screenings
Arkansas Department of Health’s (ADH) Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (OMHHD) is partnering with the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Branch to offer annual employee health screenings to all central office ADH employees and spouses who are covered under ADH insurance plan. This will be a two day event held May 18 and 19, 2017 located at the ADH campus on Markham and the Freeway Medical Building. This event is designed to increase awareness and promote healthy behaviors among ADH employees. The health screenings will include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, body mass index and tobacco cessation information will be provided.
