May 1 is National Interpreter Appreciation Day and Buncombe County is excited to celebrate a remarkable team who plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive healthcare experience for all.
- Our In-House Heroes: A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Health and Human Services interpreters, Maria Chavez-Tejada, Maria Guzman, Olga Allen, and Vivian Bonano. Your expertise ensures seamless communication for the people we serve and our staff.
- Contracted Language Champions: We extend our gratitude to our talented individual contracted interpreters, including Elizabeth Phipps (ASL), Crystal Bradley (ASL), Jie Wu (Mandarin), Patricia Solano (Spanish), Irina Shabunko (Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian). Your skills bridge the language gap and empower patients to receive the best possible care.
- Valued Agency Partners: We appreciate the collaboration with our trusted agencies, Argentum Translations, Cenzontle LLC, Verbatim Language Services Inc., and the Western Carolina Medical Society Interpreter Network. Your network of qualified interpreters is invaluable.
- Always Available Support: Finally, a big thank you to the over-the-phone interpreters from Propio, United Language Group, and LanguageLine Solutions. Your constant availability ensures we can serve patients regardless of language barriers.
Thank you to all our interpreters for your dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to fostering understanding across languages. You are essential to building bridges to better health!
The Silent Heroes of Communication
Interpreters play a critical role in countless situations. From business meetings and legal proceedings to healthcare settings and educational institutions, you ensure everyone has a voice and can participate fully. Your ability to seamlessly interpret spoken words or in some cases sign language as well as cultural nuances, allows people from all backgrounds to connect, share ideas, and access vital services, programs, and information.
More Than Just Words: The Art of Interpretation
Interpretation is an art form that requires not just fluency in multiple languages, but also a deep understanding of cultural contexts. You actively listen, process information quickly, and convey it accurately while preserving the speaker's intent. This complex skillset allows you to navigate sensitive situations and ensure effective communication.
A Day of Appreciation, A Lifetime of Impact
National Interpreter Appreciation Day is a small token of our immense gratitude. The impact you make goes far beyond a single assignment. You foster trust, break down barriers, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Thank you, interpreters, for being the bridge that connects our world.
How You Can Show Your Appreciation
Looking for ways to show your appreciation to the interpreters you work with? Here are a few ideas:
- Express sincere thanks: A heartfelt thank you can go a long way.
- Provide positive feedback: Let the interpreter or agency know you were impressed with their service.
- Educate others: Spread awareness about the importance of interpreters and the challenges they face.
By working together, we can create a world where communication is truly boundless. Let's celebrate the power of language and the incredible interpreters who make it all possible! You can view Buncombe County's Language Services Policy here.