AFLS Spanish interpreters help to provide support for pandemic response efforts across the state of Arizona. At A Foreign Language Service – AFLS, we want to remove language as a barrier to COVID-19 testing. Toward this end, we have been providing Spanish language interpreters at testing sites throughout the state. Our on-site interpreters have been helping to expand testing access throughout our communities. With our support, Glendale, Maryvale, and other communities with large Spanish-speaking populations have better access to vital tests.
Vital Availability for Vulnerable Communities
For all of our communities, 2020 has been a challenging year. The global pandemic has impacted millions around the world and across the United States, as well as across the state of Arizona. Although the situation has at times seemed dire in the fight against Covid-19, we have learned a lot. We now know that social distancing, wearing masks, and widespread testing are our best weapons against the virus. Due to the importance of testing, AFLS supports better test access for our most vulnerable communities.
In July 2020, Arizona State University (ASU) increased Covid-19 testing resources for the state’s hardest hit populations. ASU’s Biodesign Institute developed a new, rapid saliva-based diagnostic tests. These tests help with increasing the number of people tested while decreasing the wait time for results. In Arizona alone, nearly two million COVID-19 tests have been administered. We want to do our part to make sure that everyone who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested. People should have access a test regardless of income level or language accessibility.
Spanish Interpreters Help Ensure Language Access
AFLS Spanish interpreters are proud to serve alongside health workers to assist with these rapid COVID-19 tests. In Arizona, over one million people speak Spanish as their primary language at home. Our goal is to help make sure all residents have access to clear COVID-19 testing instructions. Accessible instructions help ensure accurate results and help to make our communities safer. Everyone benefits when our most vulnerable individuals receive needed care.
Language access is incredibly vital at any time, but especially during the pandemic. If we are going to protect our most vulnerable communities, we need to ensure language access for testing. Test instructions must be clear and comprehensible in an individual’s own language for accurate results. Our on-site Spanish language interpreters explain proper testing procedures and answer questions about testing. They also wear full personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times. This way, they make sure to keep themselves and the public safe.
AFLS Supports Arizona’s Pandemic Response
Our on-site Spanish language interpreters help contribute in vital ways to the pandemic response. We remain dedicated to keeping our community safe through on-site interpreting. For this reason, we have partnered with the Glendale testing station at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Cardinals. When Spanish-speaking members of our community arrive at the testing location, we provide on-site Spanish language interpreters. Members of the community seeking COVID-19 tests can locate a nearby testing site through the Arizona Department of Health Services.
In addition, we also provide Spanish language interpreters for the Maryvale COVID-19 testing facility. Maryvale is one of the Phoenix Valley’s communities with a large Spanish speaking population. The community also has a lower overall level of income, with many families living at or below the poverty line. Income inequality, though, should not prevent people from having testing access. In fact, these communities should have access to accurate testing instructions in their own language. This way, all of our entire communities can be accurately tested.
Interpreters Help Build Bridges In Our Communities
Whereas COVID-19 has created barriers in our community, our interpreters are helping to build bridges. They have been working hard to make sure that communities throughout Arizona will receive the medical care that they need. Language access helps to improve the lives of our fellow citizens in many ways, one test at a time. Through our support, Spanish-speaking populations across the state now have better access to vital tests. We salute our interpreters for their time, sacrifice, and efforts to care for the most vulnerable of Arizona’s citizens.
For more information about ASU’s rapid saliva-based diagnostic test, see the ASUNOW article announcing the test as well as the ADHS and ASU partnership. Learn more about ASU’s Biodesign Institute, which developed the test, and find out about Arizona’s response to the pandemic online with ADHS. AFLS is committed to supporting pandemic efforts both throughout Arizona as well as across the United States. Catch up with us on our social sites and on our website to learn more about our response to COVID-19.
Language Interpreting And Translation Services That Make A Difference
As a trusted leading language service provider, A Foreign Language Service – AFLS provides OPI/ VRI interpreting and on-site interpreting, certified document translation, and localization services to clients around the world. We offer services in up to 400 languages, including high demand ones such as Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and American Sign Language (ASL). Depending on your needs, we can also provide support in endangered and emerging languages like Basque, Irish Gaelic, and Quechua.
In this vital work, we collaborate with a network of 1500-strong passionate, licensed professional translators and interpreters based throughout the world. Our clients include global brands and government agencies, as well as the medical, legal, business, and education communities. At AFLS, we understand the power and importance of language. We know that every language matters. Your language matters. Contact us today for a free quote!
