Administrator and staff perceptions (N = 72) of alcohol, tobacco, and other
drugs (ATOD) agency cultural sensitivity were explored in a predominantly
Hispanic rural area with elevated levels of acculturation and high ATOD usage.
While providers generally agreed that a relatively moderate need existed for training
related to cultural issues, a more nuanced picture emerged in the purview of culturally-
related barriers. Administrators viewed the lack of appropriate interpreters and
language as a greater barrier than did the staff. Administrators also held higher perceptions
of agencies’ cultural competency. The overall high assessment of cultural
sensitivity may result from the substantial number of Latino providers.
