The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) mission for cultural competency was developed by a broad stakeholder group in the late 1990s. This mission states that OMHSAS:

“Ensure that all programs, policies, program standards, special or new initiatives promote cultural competency in the public behavioral health system in order to guarantee the availability and access to services and supports that adapts to the individual’s culture.”

To further this mission, OMHSAS adopted a Strategic Plan for Cultural Competency as well as Clinical/Rehabilitation Standards for Cultural Competency.