HealthFirst recognizes our medical interpreters on International Interpreter Services Day, Monday, September 30, 2024.
September 30th celebrates the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator, considered the patron saint of translators. St. Jerome was a priest from northeastern Italy who is known mainly for his endeavor of translating most of the Bible into Latin from the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. He also translated parts of the Hebrew Gospel into Greek. He was of Illyrian ancestry, and his native tongue was the Illyrian dialect. He learned Latin in school and was fluent in Greek and Hebrew, which he picked up from his studies and travels. Jerome died near Bethlehem on 30 September 420.
At HealthFirst Family Care Center Inc., the Interpreter Services Department comprises a dedicated team of 5 professionally trained medical interpreters and is supported by two Navigators/Interpreters. The team is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole, which helps bridge the language and cultural gap between the patient and the provider.
With more than 30,000 annual encounters with patients whose first language is not English, HealthFirst interpreters ensure that all information is accurately communicated between providers and our patients. HealthFirst medical interpreters also play a critical role in demonstrating cultural sensitivity. They bridge differences in values, cultural norms, and beliefs. Our medical interpreters ensure health equity and language access for all patients who do not speak English.
HealthFirst congratulates our team for their dedication to providing the best patient care!