Program Details

Thanks to this collaborative effort, 29 standard medical forms, Medicaid documents, and other health brochures were translated into the four languages of the target population—Russian, Bosnian, Vietnamese, and Spanish. These documents were organized into 20 binders that include an English version for reference, an index by subject, and are color-coded by language. A CD similar to these documents is included in the binder. This information has been made available online through a Web site that features the same documents. These reference binders were distributed to all local hospitals and other health and human service agencies throughout Oneida County that are striving to provide quality service to those that speak little or no English.

Population impact is considerable, as over 10,000 refugees have settled in this area over the last 23 years, coupled with a growing influx of Latinos. These agencies can now easily and quickly obtain standard information appropriate for their individual clients. Furthermore, they and the public can download this information via the web site. Key factors to the success of this project were active community involvement, strong inter-agency collaboration, and shared commitment of time and resources.

Although many of the local health care providers provide health services to culturally diverse populations in Oneida County, they have done so independently of each other. Each agency developed its own forms and materials in response to patient needs. While some agencies had numerous translated documents, other agencies did not. This caused inconsistencies in delivery of service, and as a result, many individuals received inappropriate or limited care, if they received any at all. Creating a standardized system that is accessible to all providers significantly reduces these disparities.

There is also concern whether these populations can effectively negotiate the healthcare system and use the services being provided under a mandatory managed care environment. Individuals who are applying for Medicaid through the Social Services Department are frequently under a great deal of personal stress; and although they may speak and understand English, they may not remember everything they are told.

• Ensure the availability of quality health services to the community.
  
  
• Inform and educate people about health issues and to link people to needed personal health services.

Through this project, participating agencies learned more about each other’s services, functions, and community roles. Additionally, by creating this reference binder, healthcare providers satisfied state and federal mandates. The Public Health Director strives to cultivate strong relationships with these and other community agencies by leading the Oneida County Health Coalition in strategic planning activities.

The Coalition’s goal is to mobilize community resources to work together in order to improve access to healthcare for diverse populations, and on a broader scale, strengthen the public health system to better meet the needs of the county. Through this effort, additional opportunities were recognized that would foster continued collaboration among the Coalition member agencies. The alliance has reinforced existing relationships, established new partnerships, and strengthened the foundation for future joint ventures in public health.

• 500 hours of translation fees at $40.00 per hour ($20,000).
  
  
• Contractual agreement with consultant ($40,000).
  
  
• Creation and production of 20 multicultural binders including materials, supplies, printing, CDs, and Web site development ($3,000).
  
  
• Focus group costs for time, food, and travel ($1,000).

Although many of the local health care providers provide health services to culturally diverse populations in Oneida County, they have done so independently of each other. Each agency developed its own forms and materials in response to patient needs. While some agencies had numerous translated documents, other agencies did not. This caused inconsistencies in delivery of service, and as a result, many individuals received inappropriate or limited care, if they received any at all. Creating a standardized system that is accessible to all providers significantly reduces these disparities.

There is also concern whether these populations can effectively negotiate the healthcare system and use the services being provided under a mandatory managed care environment. Individuals who are applying for Medicaid through the Social Services Department are frequently under a great deal of personal stress; and although they may speak and understand English, they may not remember everything they are told.

The initial 20 binders and CDs created were distributed to healthcare facilities and other participating agencies. Any agency that requests a copy of the binder will be charged an at-cost fee that can be applied to future expansion activities. Costs to maintain the binder are small. For example, a staff member of the county’s Central Services Department maintains the Web site by adding new documents when necessary, and the Health Department will continue to contribute staff time to maintain and distribute the binder. As Coalition members continue to collaborate and develop a strategic plan, they are committed to pursuing other avenues of addressing this need and other identified public health priorities and concerns within the community.