The Problem
In 1993, INTEGRIS Health opened a free medical clinic in the inner city of Oklahoma City. It is one of the largest free, all-volunteer clinics in the state. The clinic offers adult care of chronic diseases, diabetes classes, physical, occupational and speech therapy, vision care and pharmacy services. (Story continues below)
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL and NORTHWEST SURGICAL HOSPITAL
With almost one in four Oklahomans uninsured, the need for health care is great. The INTEGRIS Health Community Clinics have made a huge impact in the community by helping thousands of patients over the years with a variety of needs. It operates three Mondays a month and sees more than 100 patients each night.
The INTEGRIS Health Community Clinics serve a vital role providing access to health care in the Hispanic community. Carmen Romo, program manager for Hispanic Outreach with INTEGRIS Community Health Improvement, recognized that more than 70% of the patients utilizing the INTEGRIS Health Community Clinic were Hispanic speakers, however, currently the majority of the providers and volunteers were not fluent in Spanish.
The Idea
Romo quickly realized the clinics needed additional interpreters for each of the many areas of the free clinic to assist with translating the health care needs and the provider recommendations for their Hispanic patient population.
The Solution
Romo contacted the faculty of OSU OKC’s Technical Spanish/Translation and Interpretation Department and Tulsa Community College for their assistance with locating technical Spanish students who would be interested in volunteering their time as interpreters at the clinics.
The students would have the opportunity to practice their Spanish in the field in a clinic setting along with their preceptors and receive certification for their interpreter services.
The INTEGRIS Health Community Clinics now have two to three additional Spanish speaking volunteer interpreters at each of their clinics through their OSU OKC and Tulsa Community College partner agencies.
Thank you to all the dedicated caregivers and volunteers with the INTEGRIS Health Community Clinics for helping to provide access to health care to all Oklahomans.
