This content was published: April 14, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Michalczyk wins award for breaking down language barriers
Photos and story by James Hill
Maria Michalczyk, education coordinator for the Healthcare Interpreter Training program, is one of the winners of the Multnomah County 2006 Public Health Hero Awards. Michalczyk will receive the Public Health Leadership Award at the award ceremony on April 6 in celebration of National Public Health Week.
“This is a well deserved recognition for Maria given her tireless pursuit of quality healthcare for all,” said Irene Giustini, director of Institute for Healthcare Professionals.
Michalczyk has been an advocate for patients who may be denied access to adequate health care due to a language barrier. She has helped write a new law, just the fourth of its kind in the nation, which will help health care interpreters earn official certification in Oregon.
"People are waiting for something to officially demonstrate their qualifications, and businesses want to hire people with credentials," said Michalczyk on why the law is needed.
Michalczyk serves as the co-chair for the National Council for Health Care Interpreters and Chair for the Governor’s appointed Oregon Health Care Interpreter Council. It was through her advocacy, and help from State Sen. Avel Gordly and former Governor John Kitzhaber, that the Oregon law was passed. She also received an invitation to be honorary chairperson of the Japanese Healthcare Interpreting Association in Japan.
"I feel fortunate to be in the position to further this cause," she said. "Through PCC’s Institute for Health Professionals, hundreds of interpreters have received training not just to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, but also in languages such as Russian, Farsi, Vietnamese and Japanese."
The health care interpreting students, many of which are new immigrants, get an opportunity for an entry-level position in healthcare. Especially with new standards in place, a career in interpreting can become a lasting profession or a gateway to further healthcare advancement.
"I started down this road for the patient’s sake," said Michalczyk. "Patients weren’t getting quality health care and sometimes weren’t getting access to healthcare at all. But now, not only are we able to provide people with better access, we can be involved in encouraging more minorities to enter the health care field a crucial aspect to shaping a system that serves all."
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »