Indigenous communities push for interpreter program at Monterey County health clinics
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Members of the Indigenous community advocacy groups gathered outside the county building to make their voices heard. Since a pilot program was proposed in June, advocates asked for interpreters to be placed in clinics within the county’s health care system.
“The stories that you have heard today point to barriers in language,” says Francisco Rodriguez with the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council. “They point to cultural barriers.”
Members of Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Indígena have been working with county leadership since June to develop a plan that would bring these interpreter services to the clinic sector.
“I think it's timely,” said Sarahi Martinez, executive director for CBDIO. “I think it's actually where right now with everything happening in the nation, we need a county that feels welcoming for our communities, that provides basic interpretation and navigation services at the clinics.”
In a statement Monterey County Health Department says, “we look forward to deepening our collaboration with CBDIO to strengthen culturally and linguistically appropriate services, ensuring that our indigenous-speaking patients feel heard, respected, and well-supported while receiving care.”
Martinez says the program would bring down barriers faced by her community when accessing health care. She adds they have developed five priorities. “Those priorities include not only the interpretation and navigation services at the clinic but also training for staff for more cultural sensitivity and how to better provide support to the community.”
The health department surveyed over 3,000 patients, receiving 119 responses, but Graciela Gonzalez says this does not show the full picture.
She adds interpreters have become a necessity, and they have gathered 500 signatures of patients who would benefit from the service. Veronica Aragon, one of the first indigenous interpreters hired through the Monterey County Health Department with Public Health Nursing, says it is crucial to have these services to maintain a healthy community.
“Not only is that the law, but it is the right thing to do. It is the safe thing to do. And a better-informed community, a better-informed and knowledgeable patient, understanding in their language, is a healthier and happier patient and community."
If approved, the indigenous communities ask that these resources be implemented permanently, as this can be an important first step for non-Spanish and non-English speakers. A full plan and decision will likely come from the Board of Supervisors by September.
