Cultural and Linguistic Competency

Advancing Equity for AA & NH/PI Communities in COVID-19 Response Efforts: Best Practice Resource Guides

In accordance with the Presidential Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) developed a set of resource guides to provide guidance on best practices to advance cultural competency, language access, and sensitivity toward Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NH/PI) communities in the context of the Federal COVID-19 response. 

The guides were developed based on input and information gathered through a Request for Information, a literature review and environmental scan, and engagement with community subject matter experts. OMH also held a listening session with leaders from AA and NH/PI organizations to gather insights on best practices for advancing cultural competency, language access, and sensitivity toward AA and NH/PI communities in the context of the federal COVID-19 response. 

The set includes an introductory document and three guides available in English and multiple Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander languages: 

Advancing Equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NH/PI) Communities in COVID-19 Response Efforts – An Introduction 

The Language Access Resource Guide provides guidance on best practices, strategies, and actions to meet the specific language needs and preferences of AA and NH/PI communities in COVID-19 response activities. 

The Community Engagement Resource Guide provides guidance on best practices, strategies, and actions to develop and sustain partnerships with AA and NH/PI community members, community-based organizations, and coalitions to ensure a diversity of voices and perspectives inform and contribute to the creation and implementation of COVID-19 response activities. 

The Data Disaggregation Resource Guide provides guidance on best practices, strategies, and actions to improve the collection, use, and reporting of disaggregated data on AA and NH/PI populations related to COVID-19. 


Last Edited: 08/02/2024