The mission of our translators and interpreters is to facilitate and promote effective communication among our patients, families, staff members and community.
- Interpreters convert one spoken language into another
- Translators convert written materials from one language into another
- Interpreters and translators facilitate the cross-cultural communication by converting one language into another.
Please note that interpreter/translator participation in this list is voluntary. Interpreters are not required to assist, nor are you required to use an interpreter from this list.
You may prefer to have a family member or a friend interpret on your behalf; we will respect your preference. Also, there may be additional resources in your area not listed here.
Our volunteer translators have been HIPAA trained and will follow HIPAA rules and regulations while translating. They are considered part of the Treatment Team and whatever is discussed between them and the patient is to remain between the patient and themselves.
In the medical setting, it is essential that patients actively participate in a dialogue with their health care providers. The need to understand information, diagnoses, and directions accurately is crucial before making medical decisions that affect one’s own treatment or that of a loved one. While many patients and their families use English in other settings, it may not be the language they prefer to utilize for medical care.
In addition, feelings of anxiousness or fear about a diagnosis or illness can affect communication. This often happens in emergency situations when a person may be too nervous to communicate clearly in anything other than his/her primary language. An interpreter may bridge linguistic and cultural gaps that may exist between a patient and the medical provider while maintaining strict patient confidentiality.
If you have any questions about the list, please contact Lori L. Monroe, Administrative Services Branch by email lori.l.monroe@us.army.mil or by calling 912-435-6190.
Download the Interpreters List!
