Experts Say Language Barriers Could Reduce California Residents’ Access to Health Care
More than 15% of Californians speak a language other than English or Spanish, which experts say could affect their ability to communicate with health care providers and read prescription drug labels. Claudia Menjivar, a fellow at the Western Center on Law & Poverty, said that several public interest groups are working to reduce language barriers, but "due to the recession and continued budget deficits, language access and the services necessary to ensure meaningful access (e.g. interpreters) are seen as an afterthought as opposed to a priority."
- "Language Barriers in California Health Care" (Guzik, HealthyCal, 5/27).