Diversity & Disparities
CSI has a commitment to addressing diversity and disparities issues in all of its projects. However, some projects have been specifically related to these issues, with a focus on engaging and disseminating the voices diverse stakeholders, including racial and ethnic minorities, GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered) individuals, rural communities, and women. All of CSI’s diversity and disparities projects have been led from beginning to end by coalitions of diverse stakeholders. For more information about diversity and disparities projects at CSI, please contact Information@csi-policy.org and ask for Jewlya Lynn, Research Director.
Diversity and Disparities Projects
Daylight Project. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Planning Effort was designed to bring together the various stakeholders with expertise in both behavioral health and services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families. Although Colorado has undertaken planning efforts in the past, there is currently no plan to address the disparities experienced by deaf and hard of hearing individuals with mental health and substance abuse needs. Access to services can be inhibited by cultural, communication, and technology barriers. The final action plan, developed in 2008 and being implemented in 2009 and 2010, is intended to build on the capacity that already exists within Colorado to create a more accessible and comprehensive array of services and supports.
Diversity in the Legal Profession. The Center for Systems Integration worked with the Colorado Bar Association's Pledge to Diversity Legal Group to conduct a survey and analysis of its membership on diversity issues. The survey examined the experiences of diverse and non-diverse attorneys, exploring the opportunities for improving diversity recruiting and retaining practices in the Denver-metro area. The report on the survey, published in August of 2007, is called Diversity in Colorado's Legal Profession and was prepared by CSI and the Colorado Institute of Public Policy for the Colorado Pledge to Diversity Legal Group.
Mental Health Disparities. The Center for Systems Integration in partnership with Bridging Cultures, Improving Performance prepared The Policy Brief and The Report on Mental Health Disparities in Colorado commissioned by The Colorado Trust to inform its ongoing grantmaking activities related to advancing quality mental health care for the people of Colorado.
Connecting Colorado (Health Disparities). The Colorado Institute of Public Policy and the Center for Systems Integration began exploring the problem of health disparities by holding a series of meetings with over 50 community leaders. The first related policy brief was released in March 2007. The brief examines the breakdowns in communication, understanding, and information among stakeholders. These breakdowns result in decisions and actions that appear appropriate and helpful to one group of stakeholders, but inappropriate or even problematic for other stakeholders.
Interagency Health Disparities Leadership Council. The Center for Systems Integration did the research and convening to begin the Colorado Office of Health Disparities’ interagency council. The council brings together community partners with representatives from many different state agencies to develop a coordinated and effective approach to decreasing health disparities. CSI has also helped to develop marketing materials for the council, including a policy brief with recommendations to the executive branch and legislature. A success guide to health disparities efforts in the Denver Metro area is available as a product of the original convening effort.
