BROOKS – Health care is becoming more accessible for people in Brooks who face language barriers.

The Inbound Call Interpreter service for Public Health and Chronic Disease Management departments in Brooks Health Centre launched earlier this year and enables patients and clients calling in to choose from a pre-recorded menu of five languages. The language menu currently features options in Tigrinya, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, and Arabic.

After selecting their language, callers will be automatically connected to a professional medical interpreter who will then reconnect to the administrative support team.

Residents can call 403-793-6659 for help with things such as chronic pain, diabetes and nutrition support. Residents can call 403-501-3300 for access to public health services such as immunization, tuberculosis screening and oral health support.

Similar pilot programs have been successfully implemented in other primary care settings and have significantly improved client experience, by reducing dropped calls, improving appointment confirmations, and improving navigation to client care needs. This service will reduce communication barriers and support improved access, safety, and outcomes.

Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams. Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.