New pilot program could see indigenous healthcare interpreters

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) - Some Monterey County leaders are pushing for a new indigenous language access pilot program to address the healthcare needs of Oaxacan indigenous people in the community.

This proposal would be a pilot program at the Alisal Health Clinic in East Salinas.

The program would hire indigenous medical interpreters for appointments and community health workers to help with paperwork.

Clinics will also need to flag whenever someone needs an interpreter.

"This is always about trying to do better in healthcare. So that we can make things easier when people are trying to visit their doctors or get health care for their children which is essential," Supervisor Luis Alejo said.

Billing and medical expenses would need to be explained via video, when possible, by the health department.

"I would like to see this program because it will help one who like me does not speak English and more when many people come here who also as you say are indigenous. But I come from a country that, most people are of indigenous backgrounds," said Salinas resident Marcos Salazar Estrada.

"I am very confident in our health department. I think they also recognize there is a need here. We just have not formulated a plan about how much will be needed, how much it will cost. Lets try it at one clinic first and then see if we can replicate it elsewhere," Supervisor Alejo said.

One concerned patient also told KION she mostly speaks Mixteco and struggles to communicate with her doctor.