BCHS and Latino/Hispanic Community Project
announce partnership

Battle Creek Health System (BCHS) and the Latino/Hispanic Community Project (LHCP) have joined forces to ensure that services to Latinos/Hispanics are culturally and linguistically appropriate. LHCP and BCHS are introducing a pilot program in the hospital’s Family Birth Center.

In June 2009, Denise Brooks-Williams, president and CEO of Battle Creek Health System expressed the hospital’s commitment to improving services for Hispanics. This past summer, LHCP hosted two community conversations for BCHS to hear directly from the Hispanic community about their health needs and experiences. This information is being used to implement the pilot program at the hospital.

The pilot program features Spanish/English medical interpreters as well as translated documents, training for BCHS staff on cultural competency and how to work with an interpreter, and other tools to bridge communication differences.

Spanish-speaking patients going into labor may request an interpreter upon arrival at BCHS or they may arrange for an interpreter to meet them at the hospital by calling LHCP ahead of time. Pregnant Hispanic women are encouraged to contact LHCP before their due dates to plan for childbirth, learn about the Family Birth Center, and to get connected to community resources.

Although this program is only offered in the Family Birth Center, professional interpreter services are always available at no charge to patients. BCHS has a phone interpreter service available in all departments. LHCP’s in-person medical interpreters are also available 24/7 for patients living in Battle Creek who need assistance at BCHS, specialists’ offices, dental offices, and other medical providers.

BCHS is also offering a new Spanish phone line that allows Spanish-speakers full access to hospital services and information such as medical records, scheduling, billing, and departments.

For more information or to request interpreter services, please contact LHCP or BCHS. LHCP may be reached in English or Spanish at 269-841-4111. To contact BCHS in English, call 269- 966-8000. For Spanish, call 1-877-297-2366 and enter the code 0187 6160 8498 to be connected to an interpreter.

The Latino/Hispanic Community Project is a community-based non-profit organization that seeks to build a community of opportunity, inclusion and well being for Latinos/Hispanics in greater Battle Creek.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award™ and 2010 five star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective ‘report card’ ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com ( http://www.bchealth.com/ ) or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.