As communities become increasingly diverse, it is critical that healthcare and human services effectively respond to the needs of multicultural populations, paying particular attention to minority and marginalized populations. This response will require adapting both medical systems and personnel behaviors to meet the needs of special population groups. However, moving beyond basic care and services issues, it is critical to also address the underlying policies - social, economic, environmental, etc. - that impact health in the first instance.

Considering health from a rights perspective, the session will emphasize the need for reform of broad economic and social policies that create, sustain and/or aggravate disparities; investigate strategies for promoting health and decreasing the demand for medical services; consider alternative care systems that more closely reflect and meet the needs, values and expectations of multicultural populations; explore models for promoting and protecting health in multicultural communities; and address a variety of structural and functional issues, considering to what degree an overall strategy could be developed to improve care and promote health for multiple ethnic, religious, cultural, etc. populations within a single system.

The fee for this session is US$5,000 not including travel. The fee covers the cost of the program, accommodations, and meals.

Limited financial aid is available and is awarded based on need. Applicants who believe they qualify for assistance should explain their circumstances in a letter, which should be submitted with their application