C.L.A.S.

Quality Interpretation and Translation in Behavioral Health

This section of the Region V Resources website is intended to promote Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in the arena of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in the Region V geographic area.

We eventually hope to use our searchable database to list interpreters, translators and bi-lingual behavioral health service providers in our area. Due to the fact that Nebraska does not have a formal certification process for interpreters and translators (except in the legal and sign-language arenas) we are holding off on that portion of this site.

In the meantime we hope that this site will be a good resource to link behavioral health providers, interpreters and translators to quality information about providing appropriate care to those with cultural and linguistic needs.

If you have any questions or comments please email Malcom Miles at mmiles@region5systems.net or call (402) 441-4359.

Region V Systems CLAS Coalition

In December 2000, the Office of Minority Health established standards for providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services. The three major themes for these standards center around 1) culturally competent care; 2) language access services; and 3) organizational supports for cultural competence. Click Here For The CLAS Standards
In 2002 Region V Systems hosted training in this area followed by a strategic planning process that was completed in 2003. The result was funding for CLAS efforts as related to Behavioral Health and the development of the CLAS Coalition which now meets monthly to assess, plan and coordinate efforts in this area.

The limited funds are made available to Region V Systems network providers to pay for the costs of interpretation services and to fund community projects through CLAS Coalition grants. The CLAS grants are given out annually.

The CLAS Coalition is open to anyone interested in assisting with our efforts. The CLAS Coalition meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m at Region V Systems Office (1645 N Street, Suite A). For more information email mmiles@region5systems.net