When patients share backgrounds and experiences with their providers, the connection is powerful. A common culture can improve health outcomes, drive greater patient satisfaction, and, vitally, help eliminate inequalities in the healthcare system.
The ability of providers and organizations to deliver services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients is known as cultural competence. Blue Shield of California has teamed with virtual platforms FOLX Health and Zócalo Health to deliver culturally competent care to LGTBQIA+ and Latino communities.
- FOLX is the largest health and wellness platform for the LGBTQIA+ community, offering non-clinical services like care navigation, coaching, gender-affirming care support, community forums, education, and online appointment scheduling for easier access to FOLX’s virtual and behavioral health services.
- Zócalo is a Latino-founded healthcare service designed for the Latino patient. Each member has a dedicated in-person promotora de salud (community health worker), with virtual physician and behavioral health specialist hired from the Latino community.
All Blue Shield group plan members have access to Zócalo Health. FOLX Health’s full suite of services is available with membership, with Blue Shield reimbursing monthly membership costs for all fully insured PPO members. Stay up to date by following Blue Shield on LinkedIn and subscribe to our News Center to have articles sent directly to your mailbox.
