Diversity

Meeting the Needs of our Diverse Community

Sentara serves many large communities rich in culture and diversity. One of our goals is to ensure that all patients are cared for in a way that is appropriate to their language and cultural needs.

We Listen to You

We work together as a team with you, the patient, to ensure your beliefs regarding health and illness are being met. When providing care to our patients, we take into account the patient's:

• Race, ethnicity
• Language
• Gender, age
• Religion
• Sexual orientation, family structure
• Physical and mental disabilities
• Socioeconomic status

We aim to deliver culturally appropriate care and create a welcoming environment for all our patients, regardless of their differences, disabilities or knowledge of the English language.

Let Us Know Your Needs

Sentara needs your help to better understand your needs when you visit our hospitals or any of our health centers. We provide:

• Communication Services
  Free interpretation services and adaptive equipment are available for non-English speakers, deaf patients and/or their families. If you would like to have an interpreter, please let our staff know.
• Resources
  Resources cover a range of health-related topics, as well as those pertinent to your cultural needs. Referrals to other Sentara services and community agencies are offered as appropriate.
• Community Events
  Health screenings, seminars and workshops are offered by Sentara periodically throughout the year. Attend these events and tell us if there are ways to improve our attention to your needs.

While you’re in our care, be sure to let staff know about any cultural needs you may have.