What is REALD and SOGI?
They are sets of standardized questions and data about a person’s Race, Ethnicity, Language, and Disability (REALD) and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).
The current REALD standards were developed in partnership with communities and researchers and are based on local, state, and national best practices. Collection of REALD information is written into Oregon House Bill 2134 and Oregon Administrative Rules 943-070-0000 through 943-070-0070. SOGI standards are currently being developed by the Oregon Health Authority in partnership with communities and researchers.
Why are REALD and SOGI important?
Our historic and current systems cause avoidable health inequities in the lives of certain groups of people. Our systems cause harm to people by discrimination against people’s race, ethnicity, language, ability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. For more information, see https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le7721a.pdf.
A unified method of collecting and sharing demographic information is the start to reversing health inequities. Collection and use of demographic data helps organizations better understand all the people they work with and serve; helps identify and change structural social and health barriers imposed on people; guides how organizations create services to meet the cultural and accessibility needs of the people they serve; and guides how organizations invest funds to address health inequities.
Why is it important to share your REALD and SOGI data?
When you share your personal REALD and SOGI information, you are helping in the effort to identify and address avoidable differences in social and health services. The information cannot be used to qualify you for services or negatively impact your services or benefits.
Where can I learn more about REALD and SOGI data?
REALD implementation
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Pages/REALD.aspx
Using REALD and SOGI data to identify and address health inequities
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Pages/Demographics.aspx
REALD SOGI training
https://vimeo.com/458208982
Why are REALD and SOGI important to the Central Oregon Health Council?
The purpose of the Central Oregon Health Council (COHC) is to build an equitable and integrated health ecosystem that improves the health of Central Oregonians through collaboration and partnerships, data-driven decisions, quality improvements, lowered costs, and empowered providers.
Collecting partners’ demographics tells the Board of Directors and existing collaborators more about who is currently partnering through the COHC and who has been left out. It starts to answer partners and communities who ask, “Who is on your Board and a part of your organization? Am I being represented?” Plus, knowing more about partners meets a business need to serve our changing region.
How was the Board of Directors REALD and SOGI data collected?
Board members were invited to complete an electronic survey. Each question was self-reported with an option to decline to answer. Participation was voluntary, so not all respondents answered every question. The questions were based on Oregon Health Authority REALD and SOGI collection practices. Analysis and reporting followed best practices. Disaggregation of data was supported by a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant, given the small sample size.
What happens now?
COHC strives to maintain and improve transparency. The findings have been shared publicly here and may be used by partner organizations and the COHC workgroups and committees to inform their work. Staff will continue to collect and report on Board of Director and partner demographics on a yearly or biannual basis. Findings will support the review and revision of community engagement approaches to improve partnerships with underserved communities. COHC will continue to advocate for and support REALD and SOGI data collection by partners for improvement in services and health outcomes.