cultural diversity and mental health or substance misuse problems
The University of Michigan is enriched by its cultural diversity. In order to support staff and help them maximize their performance, it is important for supervisors to recognize that cultural differences can influence how individuals experience, acknowledge, and address mental health and substance misuse problems.
Because of differences in belief systems, values, and rituals, cultural and ethnic groups differ in their perspectives on mental health problems, substance misuse, behavioral reactions, coping mechanisms, attitude to treatment, and life experiences. It is not unusual for cultural differences to give rise to feelings such as confusion, mistrust, and fear as well as concerns about discrimination and racism. These feelings, along with differences in language and communication styles, can influence the ways in which problems are understood and solutions are sought.
Supervisors are therefore encouraged to enhance their skills and sensitivity in working with culturally and ethnically diverse staff by learning more about different cultures and how their members view and address mental health and substance misuse problems.
When there is a question of how culture relates to performance, mental health or substance misuse problems, consult with the resources that the University provides to help you navigate a culturally respectful approach.
University of Michigan Health System Program for Multicultural Health (PMCH) offers community educational and research programs, cultural competency educational material, internship opportunities, as well as referrals and consultation in cultural competence for professionals, staff, and faculty.
734-615-1404
www.med.umich.edu/multicultural
University of Michigan Health System Employee Assistance Program (UMHS EAP)
& University of Michigan Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) provide support and assistance to University staff and faculty in resolving personal or work-related concerns. Through a range of sensitive and innovative services, the UMHS EAP and FASAP seek to enhance the emotional health and well-being of members of the university community. By providing confidential and professional counseling, coaching, training, and consultation services to staff, faculty, retirees, benefit-eligible dependents and departments, the UMHS EAP and FASAP helps individuals develop and foster strengths and resiliency to enhance their personal and professional lives.
UMHS employees, contact UMHS EAP
734-763-5409
http://www.mhealthy.umich.edu/eap
Campus employees (Ann Arbor, Dearborn or Flint), contact FASAP
734-936-8660
http://www.umich.edu/~fasap
University of Michigan Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), a unit of Human Resources and Affirmative Action (HR/AA), provides the delivery of programming and services for faculty, staff, students, and management to support diversity, inclusiveness, equal access, equitable treatment, and cultural understanding and competency. The OIE provides training and consultation on achieving and supporting diversity in the workplace, on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues, and on preventing and resolving discrimination and discriminatory harassment. The OIE also provides support to a number of constituency groups.
734-763-0235
http://www.hr.umich.edu/oie/
