Introduction/ Rationale
Global health practitioners can best meet population needs by combining their professional strengths and collaborating across cultural boundaries. This requires cultural humility to avoid assumptions and share perspectives. This submission explores collaboration between US students, faculty and Ghanaian healthcare professionals to enhance rural Ghana's mental health practices, create sustainable resources, and learn from each.
Objectives
Understand the process of creating sustainable mental health education.
Identify strategies for interprofessional international education through cultural humility lens.
Highlight key strategies for working with international interprofessional teams.
Methods/Approach
Before traveling, US and Ghanaian teams formed, and mental health support was identified as a critical need. Preplanning included learning about Ghana's mental health care. When in country, community health workers conducted a needs assessment to identify educational gaps. Educational pamphlets were created to support the identified needs and guide training. These supports were then used to educate a large community group with great success.
Results
Collaboration with global partners resulted in development of sustainable mental health promotional materials. The goal, to destigmatize mental health and encourage individuals to seek support. This model could apply to other health conditions and centers globally. Knowing the needs of the intended population you are helping is critical for sustainability and program success.
Conclusions/Contribution to the Profession
Cultural humility is essential for lasting impact when working with global colleagues. Collaboration empowered rural communities to break barriers and increase mental well-being knowledge. Culturally sensitive materials, through interdisciplinary collaboration, reduced mental health stigma and improved quality of life in underserved areas. Local health worker training enhanced the ability to support individuals facing mental health challenges.