Crusader works to serve patients of all languages - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Crusader works to serve patients of all languages

Crusader Community Health is working to keep care for all of its patients efficient, no matter what language they speak.

Almost 1.2 million Illinois residents do not speak English well, but the clinics are striving to break the language barrier to provide those residents with proper healthcare. Two or three Spanish interpreters are staffed at each of Crusader's locations. For those who speak a different language, the clinics also use a language line which allows patients to talk to someone about their health concerns in their native language, with just a push of a button.

"From the front desk checking in, we will get the message that this person needs someone of another language to help them out, so that by the time they're actually in the room with the doctor, they can make that connection, so it's pretty seamless, pretty quick," Crusader Community Health Community Services Director Shelton Kay said.

Insurance companies in Illinois are planning on translating their information in five different languages, including Spanish and traditional Chinese.