Health Resources for Diverse Communities in Montana

Health Resources for Diverse Communities in Montana

Post Date: Nov 18, 2020

Community Health Partners is committed to providing healthcare and other resources to the community, regardless of people’s ability to pay, the language they speak, or their background. We understand that many people encounter barriers to accessing the healthcare they need. You may be struggling financially, maybe English isn’t your first language, or perhaps you’re part of the LGBTQIA community. That’s why CHP works internally and with community partners to provide helpful resources for those who find it hard to receive necessary health information or services. Read on about how we work to empower you to make positive decisions for your health and connect you to community resources that can take your well-being a step further.

Translation and Interpretation

CHP understands that healthcare terminology and instructions can be challenging to understand, especially for those with Limited English Proficiency. In order to best serve those who are native Spanish speakers, CHP purposely has hired bilingual and/or bicultural staff to serve patients in their most familiar language. All CHP locations in Gallatin County have bilingual staff available, and our Belgrade and Bozeman locations provide certified medical interpreters as well.

For patients who may need language assistance other than English or Spanish, CHP works with a language interpretation service for instant access to a multitude of languages. CHP also has local contracts with American Sign Language interpreters for those patients needing this service. All of our paperwork has been translated into Spanish, so don’t hesitate to request Spanish versions of documents.

Health and Government Resource Advocacy

CHP also is able to provide advocacy and resources to its diverse communities. When it comes to the financial side of healthcare, CHP’s staff can help you complete applications for hospital financial assistance, understand your medical bills, and introduce you to payment plans for completing them. CHP also can work with you to see if you qualify for government programs and help you through the application process.

These programs include Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), housing assistance, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplementary food program, and Montana’s Food Stamp program. Our trained staff can also help you apply for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace. For patients who are parents, our Resource Coordinators can help you complete applications for daycare scholarships, child support, and school documentation.

Spanish-speaking patients are able to work with bilingual staff and advocates who can help them understand their options and access these services as well – services in the community that, without that support in Spanish, they would have difficulty accessing.

Other Community Resources

At CHP, we know that health is impacted by more than doctor’s visits and health insurance. With relationships to so many local community resources, CHP can help diverse Montanans connect to organizations that provide services beyond healthcare. For example, the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) offers valuable help to people in our area regarding food, housing, transportation, emergency energy assistance, and more. Thrive provides support for parents and children, from Parent Liaisons to mentoring programs for kids. Other community organizations that offer support for limited-English-speaking families include:

CHP is here to help all Montanans take control of their health, inside and outside of our clinics. If you need help finding a service related to your health, chances are we can help you, regardless of your background. Don’t hesitate to contact us to see how we can serve you.