Cultural Responsiveness
Why it matters
Identity is Key
Young people are often treated as “less than” by adults, and when we combine adolescence with other identities that experience discrimination, the intersections can make a huge difference in how we respect adolescents. In addition to understanding cultural humility on an interpersonal level, it’s also essential for health care professionals to be aware of – and work to change – systemic and institutional biases that get in the way of equitable care for youth.

Racial Justice Resources
In the wake of the pandemic and protests against racial injustices, the Adolescent Health Initiative (AHI) acknowledges that systemic racism and its consequences are a public health crisis. We want to support our adolescent health community by sharing resources to support efforts to address and dismantle these systems. We plan to update this section often. If you or your team has suggestions or additional resources to share, please reach out to adolescenthealth@umich.edu.
Spark Trainings
AHI offers two Spark trainings on cultural humility. Sparks are designed for providers or staff to deliver in 15-30 minutes at staff meetings or professional development opportunities. These trainings will “spark” discussion and reflection among your multidisciplinary team. All sparks include a PowerPoint presentation, a facilitator outline, and follow-up materials.

Cultural Responsiveness
Identify and discuss key concepts about providing culturally responsive health care to young people and reflect on various cultural norms unique to adolescence.

Non-Verbal Communication Bias
Explore how nonverbal communication can set the tone for youth/adult interactions, both in messages we convey and in how we interpret messages from youth.

LGBTQ+ Youth-Friendly Services
Starter Guides
AHI Starter Guides are mini-toolkits that offer concrete, actionable steps to improve adolescent care. AHI currently offers one starter guide on building LGBTQ+ friendly services.
Videos
Hear directly from teens about how you can improve their health care experience.
Hear directly from teens on their priorities for their health care.
Listen to transgender and gender non-conforming youth share their health care experiences and ways the system can be improved.
We Can Help!
Is your practice interested in learning more about cultural responsiveness? We help health centers across the country become more adolescent-centered.