Resources
For Patients with Limited English Proficiency
Requesting a Medical Interpreter: Patients with LEP have the right to a qualified medical interpreter free of cost. It is not recommended that family and friends serve as interpreters. CDPH provides information on how to request an interpreter for medical appointments.
Medi-Cal Language Assistance: Provides contact information for Medi-Cal services (dental, mental health, etc.) in a patient's preferred language.
Every Woman Counts (EWC): Offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services for underserved patients in California through multilingual healthcare providers.
For Healthcare providers
PALS for Health: Provides translation and interpretation services, as well as professional training programs for aspiring medical interpreters in Southern California.
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI): Offers three nationally recognized certifications for healthcare interpreters.
The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI): Offers two nationally recognized certifications for healthcare interpreters.
California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA): Provides continuing education units (CEUs) through trainings and workshops for certified interpreters in California.