Linguistic Equity: Educating the Health Workforce on Delivery of Your Health in Your Language
Recorded On: 10/24/2025
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Across the United States, there are 68 million people who speak a language other than English. Even when we speak in English, there can be communication and misinterpretation gaps. In this session, we will get back to the basics of communicating with one another in healthcare systems, patients, and with community members, especially with regard to public health messaging. Central to the patient experience is whether we convey health information in terms and language people can understand. Recognize the importance of using medical interpreters and assistive devices. Furthermore, we will utilize the established principle of teach back. Case studies will be interwoven to demonstrate the importance of teachback. This interactive session will also delve into the COM-B model, which emphasizes the importance of Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation to influence Behavior to influence the delivery of written, verbal, and signed in one's language.
At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the critical role of linguistic equity in health care by identifying the benefits of using certified medical interpreters, applying culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches, and addressing health literacy needs with plain language communication.
- Demonstrative effective communication strategies to ensure patient understanding, improve health outcomes, and promote equitable care across diverse populations.
- Analyze real-world scenarios to compare the benefits of utilizing certified medical interpreters and the harms from failing to do so.
Competencies that will be covered include:
3.2.4 Deliver health education and promotion as designed.
6.2.1 Describe the intended outcome of the communication (e.g., raise awareness, advocacy, behavioral change, and risk communication
Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.00 total Category I contact education contact hours. Provider ID #98029 and Program ID PM98029_01744DL.
SOPHE is a provider of Certified in Public Health (CPH) Renewal Credits. A total of 1.0 CPH Renewal credits are provided on behalf of the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
Cindy Hou
Infection Control Officer and Medical Director
Jefferson Health
Dr. Hou is the Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research for Jefferson Health - New Jersey (J-New Jersey) and an Infectious Diseases specialist. She is dually board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Dr. Hou has expertise in sepsis, antibiotic stewardship, and infection control. In addition, Dr. Hou is the Chief Medical Officer of the Sepsis Alliance and a member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Hou earned an M.B.A. and M.A. from Boston University, a D.O. from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and B.S. from Yale University. She is the principal investigator for an Office of Minority Health grant to reduce inequities in those with limited English proficiency, and has interests in quality improvement, patient safety, equity and language access.
Katherine J. Morillo, MPH, CHES (Moderator)
Project Manager
SOMOS Community Care
Throughout the years, I have gained valuable experience across multiple functions, including network management, community management, performance improvement, and many others. I’ve been recognized for turning ideas into deliverable projects, promoting health education, and delivering patient-centered practices that are both comprehensive and accessible. I also have strong knowledge and passion for healthcare policy, health system design, patient experience/behavior change, maternal and child health, and community-based health interventions.
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