In response to the diverse community in Prowers County and other communities, Prowers Medical Center has made great strides in changing the community’s perception regarding the healthcare services they receive. Internal programs at the hospital have heightened awareness among healthcare providers and the staff regarding different cultural backgrounds and health disparities caused by their differences.

“It’s important that patient concerns, symptoms and health history are communicated accurately and clearly,” said Elia Trujillo, a medical interpreter and leader in her field. “Without interpreter services, the barriers of language and culture can be difficult to overcome.”

In addition, as a licensed agency through the Cross Cultural Health Care Program, Prowers Medical Center is pleased to offer CCHCP’s Bridging the Gap training program for interpreters who wish to receive training in the field of medical interpreting.

“Training others not only creates a seamless bridge of communication between patients and health care providers, but also helps to bring a sense of security to those patients who cannot effectively communicate with their providers on their own,” she said.

A couple of positive comments received as a result of the most recent graduating class of Bridging the Gap Interpreters included: “I am really enjoying the class and the people. I appreciate the mentoring and guidance. I look forward to the rest of the course” and “Thank you for the wonderful class, the great instruction and especially for caring so much. It made all the difference in the world for me and I hope for everyone else.”

We are proud to have dedicated interpreters and bilingual staff who work behind the scenes to help provide culturally appropriate care to patients.

It is important to our community that Prowers Medical Center continues with its focus to develop a stronger healthcare system, allowing our staff and providers to better understand the health disparities within our community and, in turn, provide services that help to achieve equitable care for all.

As an organization, we are striving to make improvements that not only result in transactional changes through policies and procedures, but also allow for transformational changes throughout the organization.

“Never stop learning!” Trujillo said. “Our journey of learning in healthcare never stops and it’s important to gain a working knowledge of the different cultures of the people with whom you interact. Listen to others’ experiences; get familiar with the world around you and you will realize that even your closest friends have a different culture than you do.”