Cultural Conversations, a discussion group for women of many faiths and cultures, will focus this month on cultural or religious norms that can make receiving good health care challenging.

The meeting, 1 to 2:45 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at the Crossroads Community Center, will feature guest speaker Yris Lance, community relations liaison from the Governor’s Council of Health Disparities. She will provide a framework for discussion of how culture and religion can affect an individual's health care and how cultural needs can be met in a health care context.

Participants can think about the following questions:

• Do you feel safe being honest about your cultural and religious norms with your health care provider?
• Do you feel that you are in charge of your health and decisions about it?
• Are there health issues people seek help for in the United States that they don't in your culture? Are there health issues people seek help for in other countries/cultures that they don't here in the U.S.?

Many women, whether they are born in the U.S. or elsewhere, find it challenging sometimes to be honest with health care providers. The program will look at cultural barriers, fears and feelings, and will explore tools to communicate with health care providers so that cultural misunderstandings don't compromise care.

Bellevue women of all ages, faiths and cultures are encouraged to attend the meeting and participate. It is free, and refreshments will be served.

Cultural Conversations gathers women who share a desire to make new friends and expand their own cultural understanding. The group, organized by the city's Neighborhood Outreach office, provides a safe environment for women to learn and gain understanding so they can be advocates for their needs.

For more information on this event, or future Cultural Conversations programs, please contact Julie Ellenhorn at 425-452-5372 or jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov.

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