Initiatives
The Commonwealth of Virginia is actively engaged in a number of programs that can benefit those in the Hispanic community.
Education
Start Strong Council
Governor Kaine is deeply committed to widening access to early childhood education programs for all Virginians, particularly since early access to educational opportunities have proved very beneficial to overall life success.
The governor has established a 17-member council (see his Executive Order 7) to oversee the development of Start Strong early childhood education programs in the Commonwealth.
Business
Virginia is improving its efforts to procure goods and services from businesses owned by minorities and women (see Gov. Kaine's Executive Order 33). The following agency works to promote minority businesses in the Commonwealth.
Health
The Virginia Department of Health recently launched its CLAS Act site – Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Site for healthcare providers across the Commonwealth.
This site is designed to assist health care providers in delivering culturally competent care for their patients whose command of English is limited. It contains many commonly used phrases in the clinical setting, their Spanish translations, and audio files where listeners can practice correctly pronouncing these phrases. Over time, as many as 24 additional languages will be added.
Public Safety
Prevention Comes First is a new initiative that works to promote the positive development of Virginia’s youth by addressing the risk factors that lead to youth gang activity, substance abuse, delinquency, violence, school drop-outs, and related adolescent problem behaviors. Spanning a range of state programs and providers, Prevention Comes First coordinates the prevention activities of law enforcement, educators, state and local prevention professionals, and families throughout the Commonwealth.