Episode 7: Language Access Strategy, Policy & Resources (Healthcare Access & Workforce Development) Part 3 of 3

In Episode 7 of the WNC Health Policy Initiative Podcast, we wrap up our three‑part series on language access in Western North Carolina by focusing on policy strategies and practical resources to improve communication in healthcare.

Host Andrew Rainey is joined by language access coordinators, interpreters, and policy experts to explore four key areas — cost implications, workforce development, infrastructure, and outreach — and discuss how better language access can improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and strengthen services across the region.

Tune in to learn what policy tools and community resources are available now, and what’s needed next to build more equitable, accessible health systems in WNC. 

See resources from the episode below:

Cost

• Professor in Residence in the Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine at the UCSF, Dr Leah Karliner, about a study which shows how language access decreases readmission rates and hospital expenditures for payers.
• Language Access Coordinator, Aaron Vidaurri, on ways organizations can start thinking about language access in their budget.

Workforce Development

• MAHEC's continuing education planner, Rosalyn Wasserman, about their medical interpretation series.

• The Health Access Programs Manager at the Western Carolina Medical Society, Rosalia McHattie.

Infrastructure

• Program Analyst, Gretchen Ramirez, of NC's Broadband Infrastructure Office, under the Division of Broadband Access and Digital Equity
• Deputy Director of the NC Office of Digital Equity and Literacy, Maggie Woods. See the NC One Map here.

Outreach

• Steward and Linguist at the Cenzontle Language Justice Cooperative, Monserrat Ramirez.