Avelar Working to Pass Legislation that will Improve Cultural Competence in Healthcare

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is working to improve healthcare for diverse populations by introducing legislation to train medical providers to work compassionately with multicultural patients.

“Healthcare professionals must be equipped with the necessary tools to provide people of all backgrounds and identities with high-quality healthcare,” Avelar said. “In the language, they understand regardless of their citizenship status.”

Avelar introduced House Bill 2280, which would require healthcare professionals to complete cultural competency training to ensure effective and affirming care is given to communities of color, people with disabilities, immigrants with or without status, people living with HIV, people who are intersex, and people of diverse faiths, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds. The training will also provide guidance for practice surrounding language barriers.

“This legislation will help reduce healthcare disparities and ensure that everyone receives the care they deserve,” Avelar said. “This is a step towards a more equitable healthcare system for everyone in Illinois.”

Rep. Avelar is advancing HB 2280 in partnership with a coalition of civil rights, labor, and community healthcare organizations, including Access Living, the Illinois Nurses Association, AIDS Foundation Chicago, Illinois Unidos, Arab American Family Services, Healthy Illinois, Equality Illinois, Muslim Civic Coalition, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, and SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana, among many other partners.