I know many East Africans and other minorities who fear and put off visiting the hospital or clinic simply because they feel that no one really understands them on a more personal level and that their needs cannot and will not be fully met. According to the American Medical Association, more than 55% of health care providers agree that “minority patients generally receive lower quality health care” due to lack of cultural competence. People from different cultural backgrounds feel uncomfortable due to communication barriers and the lack of cultural competence of some healthcare providers. As a Somali speaking nurse, I believe that Somali patients, as well as those from diverse cultural backgrounds, would be able to gain that necessary sense of ease when entering a healthcare setting or without having to feel the shame of having to call on an interpreter. personal health problems. According to Hospitals in Quest for Excellence,