The School of Social Work and the International Rescue Committee have come together to offer cultural competence and humility training for mental health practitioners and students, and the campus community is invited to attend.
The training will take place 1-4 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. N., and is available at no additional charge, but registration is required as space is limited.
The presenter at the training, Samuel Paunetto, is a social worker born and raised in Puerto Rico. He’s been active in decolonization and anti-racism practice for almost 30 years, working with marginalized communities in Puerto Rico and in the mainland. He is the health and wellness coordinator for the International Rescue Committee in Wichita, where he works to improve health access and outcomes among refugee families.
The training is built off the understanding that when the community of mental health practitioners acquires better cultural competencies, and a deeper understanding of systemic and social determinants, clients are better served, and health outcomes improve.
This training is offered at no cost through the Refugee Health Promotion Grant. The training follows and exceeds the core goals established by the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in healthcare.
Questions can be directed to shaunna.millar@wichita.edu.