Race, Ethnicity, Language and Disability (REAL D) Data Collection Toolkit

The Race, Ethnicity, Language and Disability (REAL D) policy applies to all Oregon Health Authority and Department of Human Services programs that collect, record, and report demographic data. These data collection standards provide a consistent method to gather information across all state data systems and will help us notice and address health disparities.

Training Modules

This training introduces:

Health equity as it relates to communicable diseases
The REAL D policy
How to collect the data and enter it into Orpheus

Audience: Any public health or healthcare worker who collects data on communicable disease cases

Time: 45 minutes

REAL D Training Module (use Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge for best results)

REAL D Resources

REAL D Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
This document describes the purpose for the REAL D questions and provides responses to frequently asked questions.

REAL D Response Matrix (pdf)
This document provides responses to concerns about the REAL D questions.

Sample introductory statements and best practices (pdf)

Oregon Administrative Rule 943-0700-0000 (pdf)

Report to the Oregon Legislature: REAL D Data (pdf)

Status Report on the Implementation of the Race, Ethnicity, Language, and Disability (REAL D) Standards (pdf)

REAL D Data Collection Forms

For in-person interviews, multiple languages

All forms are in PDF format

Language Access Services

Interpreter services.
Be sure that you have the phone number and account number of your county's telephone interpreter service available. If you find that you do not have a telephone interpreter service in your county, please contact us at 971-673-1111 and we can help you complete the interview. Read Tips for Working with Telephone Interpreters (pdf)
7-1-1 TTY Telephonic Services.
7-1-1 is a telephone relay number that connects voice telephone users with deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind and/or people with speech disabilities who use text telephones including some cell phones. 7-1-1 is a statewide service and is available to all of us. Please visit Oregon Relay (get link) for more information. For additional questions, please contact Jon Cray at jon.cray@state.or.us or 503-373-1400.

Further Study

Social Determinants of Health Video. This 10-minute video developed by the Oregon Public Health Division Health Equity Work group introduces a framework for understanding the Social Determinants of Health as they relate to health inequities. Watch the video.

National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS). The National CLAS Standards aim to improve health care quality and advance health equity be establishing a framework for organizations to serve the nation's increasingly diverse communities. Learn more.

Cultural Competency. There are a variety of tools and information available at Think Cultural Health.