Breakout Room 3 Notes

Language Access Work Group

Notes from 

Meeting 1 Breakout Room 3

July 25, 2023

Breakout Room 3 Participants                                       Breakout Room 3 Facilitator

Gwendolyn Cash-James, EdD                                            Stacii McKeon

Zugey Garcia 

Tony Griego 

Teddy Kemirembe 

Trisha Lamb 

Ruiqin Miao, PdD 

Fidelie Nawaj 

Hugo Nuñez 

Olga Okhapkina 

Manny Santiago 

Yun-Mei Wang Wilborn 

 

Question 1: 

Why is this work important to Washingtonians?

Question 2: 

How do you think we reach our unifying goal in the most equitable, accessible, and financially reasonable way?

 

  • From DSHS’ perspective, more immigrants live in the state, and all will need medical services at some time. They need to receive services without fear. 

 

  • Healthcare is essential. We need to eliminate barriers to be able to provide services to anyone. They may not get what they need if there are barriers. 

 

  • Washington is very welcoming for refugees. Still, it can be very intimidating if you don't speak the language. More access to refugee population is desired. 

 

  • Medical interpreters keep Washington safe and working. Staff must have faith that the conversations are happening with the doctors. They need to be able ask questions to get the best care. 

 

  • Children shouldn't need to interpret. 

 

  • Administrative hearings require a court interpreter, but medical interpretation is another important skill. 

 

  • Look to bilingual staff in-house and skill them up. 

 

  • Don't see anything in the bill that specifically states only medical interpretation. 

 

  • In day-by-day interactions in medical settings, it is especially important for immigrants to interpret for them. Helps with a scope of their needs with communication. Follows hospital mission and values to provide interpretation. 

 

  • Not only immigrants but this adds the opportunity to those who come here for meaningful employment as interpreters. Helps with their economic goals. 

 

  • We need students to be healthy to make the transition into work. 

 

  • Being inclusive of those participating. Thinking of end goal of having a large pool of qualified interpreters in medical. Important to medical field staff to know they have qualified staff. 

 

  • Train, hire, employ more interpreters. 

 

  • Many who speak multiple languages need to be able to get certified. Help with resources and communication about how to do that.