African
Services' hospital escort and medical interpretation programs bridge
the gap between the African immigrant community and the healthcare
system in New York City. With over two dozen languages spoken on staff,
we help newcomers overcome language barriers, navigate the health
system and receive essential treatment and affordable care.
Hospital Escort Program
Twice weekly, African Services hosts a health and hospital
orientation for immigrants in need of medical care. Staff health
educators familiarize participants with their health rights as
immigrants and the public services available. Each session includes a
group discussion about the importance of knowing your HIV status as
part of general wellness and preventive care. Participants are given
the opportunity to test for HIV at our on-site testing center, and
nearly 90% choose voluntary counseling and testing in this setting.
African Services staff then escort the group to one of our linked
hospital providers where they assist each person to apply for a
hospital card that qualifies them for low-cost care and schedule an
appointment for follow-up care.
Medical Interpretation
African Services' staff of medical interpreters escort clients to
doctor's appointments at hospitals and clinic throughout the city,
providing translation and serving as a advocates for immigrants in the
healthcare system. As a bridge between provider and patient, they help
facilitate diagnosis, treatment adherence and follow-up care to
maximize each patient's outcome.
Our medical interpreters also staff weekly outreach and
interpretation sessions for pregnant mothers at risk for HIV at the
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital prenatal clinic. This is part of African
Services' ongoing work supporting maternal and child health health in
the African immigrant community.
