With all that is happening, we are all adjusting to a new normal. Every day in the news we hear about nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals and their heroism. And they are! They are on the front line with patients with all sorts of conditions that simply cannot wait. But what does not get talked about are the interpreters that walk alongside of them.
Sometimes interpreters are the only person a patient sees that speaks their language. Chemotherapy and hospitalizations are what jump to mind for me. Only having one person present in such critical times is hard for anyone who’s family member is suffering from a critical care need. But imagine what it would be like if you were in that situation and couldn’t communicate because of a language barrier.
Healthcare is about more than the moments when the doctor comes in. It’s about treating patients with dignity and care, comforting them in a time of need. They are scared, stressed, and fearful of what may come. Healthcare works for each of them to feel calm, understood, and are comforted so they can heal in the best way possible.
Interpreters make that happen every day. Some are on the front lines with the providers. Some are on the phones and video minute after minute, hour after hour, right there with other healthcare professionals to make sure all of our communities are served during this unprecedented time.
If you haven’t thanked an interpreter today, please do. They are the unsung heroes that make all of this easier for healthcare professionals, healthcare organizations, and the healthcare industry at large.