About the Cultural Institute of Health & Education

The Cultural Institute of Health and Education (CIHE) is a nonprofit organization that started as an idea that was constructed by its founders; Amira Clemens, Terrie Johnson-Black and Denise Way. As practicing, nurses who also teach, we often discussed how to address significant issues we witnessed in practice and in instruction. The trends were that we did not often see an equal number of people of color in professional roles in healthcare or as students in health career programs in universities.

When we did encounter many of these individuals, we often wondered what made the difference between those who appeared professional and passionate as opposed to those who had poor professional conduct. We also questioned how a supportive mentor would change their behaviors and outlook on professional development and continuing education.

Another significant trend that we considered is the disproportionate number of people of color providing care to others from the same ethnic background. Understanding that when it comes to health issues, having someone from the same culture helps with gaining information that aids in addressing health interventions and health promotions.

 

Considerations for the economic background of many people who work in technical health careers have an effect on their career and educational decisions. These individuals may not have time, money or the means to secure funding to attend college. They may also lack mentors or people they can look up to of whom they can identify with what they are going through, educate them understand that a career goal that may seem out of reach is actually attainable.