Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)

Welcome to CLAS – Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services

CLAS standards are designed to correct inequities that currently exist in providing health services and to make these services more responsive to the individual needs of all patients.

Did you know that…

• The United States is becoming increasingly diverse as immigrants continue to arrive from throughout the world. For example, the U.S. Hispanic population has tripled in Georgia in only 10 years, to more than one-half million. The U.S. Asian population is growing nearly four times faster than the general population
• One in four physicians concede that they feel poorly prepared to interact with patients who are recent immigrants, or whose health beliefs differ from traditional Western medicine.
• There are more than 30 languages spoken in Georgia – 70,000 Georgia households are unable to speak and comprehend English.
• A Chinese patient might be reluctant to say "no" to a physician, feeling it may be considered disrespectful, and may appear stoic – refusing to show pain or to ask for pain medications.
• Hispanic patients often seek medical care from curanderos or other folk healers, and could be taking home therapies or herbal remedies.

Enroll now at no charge

The GMCF-sponsored CLAS program is a joint initiative between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Office of Minority Health (OMH) to address racial health disparities through physician offices by promoting and facilitating CLAS Standards.

Through the free CLAS training provided to physician offices, GMCF aims to improve the level of knowledge-based skills required to provide effective clinical care to patients from a particular ethnic or racial group.

To complete the Web-based modules please complete the Information Request Form and one of our professionals will get you started in the program.