Monterey County Health Department commits to improving indigenous interpretation services

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors made significant strides towards improving healthcare access for indigenous communities during their meeting on July 8, 2025. A key focus was the urgent need for enhanced interpretation services at the Alisal Health Center, where many patients face language barriers that hinder their access to care.

Supervisor Alejo emphasized the necessity of reverting to the original scenic easement conditions, which had been altered by the planning commission, to address ongoing appeals related to the issue. The board unanimously supported a motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution that aligns with their initial intentions regarding the easement, aiming to resolve the matter efficiently.

In a pivotal presentation, Elsa Jimenez from the Monterey County Health Department outlined a referral aimed at addressing six critical areas for improving services to indigenous patients. These include increasing in-person interpretation services, hiring qualified interpreters, and ensuring that health records accurately reflect patients' language preferences. Jimenez highlighted that only a small fraction of patients currently identified as speaking indigenous languages, suggesting that the actual number is likely much higher.

Community members voiced their concerns during public comments, underscoring the discrimination faced by indigenous patients due to language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. They called for immediate action to implement the proposed changes, including the creation of a committee to facilitate ongoing dialogue between the community and health service providers.

The board acknowledged the importance of these initiatives and committed to revisiting the matter in September, where they will discuss concrete steps and timelines for implementation. This meeting marked a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity and ensuring that healthcare services meet the diverse needs of Monterey County's indigenous population.