Promoting Equitable Language Access in Healthcare Utilization – Coordinating Center

The Promoting Equitable Language Access in Healthcare Utilization Coordinating Center initiative supports the implementation of effective policies, programs, and practices to increase the use of prevention services through enhanced language access resources for populations with limited English proficiency (LEP). The Coordinating Center will develop an inventory of resources and tools to be available on-demand for community organizations, practitioners, and providers addressing this population, as well as support efforts of demonstration sites funded under MP-CPI-22-005 to identify and implement innovative strategies to enhance language access services through: (1) policy development and implementation; (2) technology utilization; (3) education for individuals with LEP; and (4) education for providers, including medical support staff. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: This initiative advances the implementation of high quality and established methods, tools, resources, training, and practices that have been researched and have demonstrated effectiveness in informing individuals of limited English proficiency (LEP) of their rights to language services across the nation. The Coordinating Center will be critical in helping states, tribes, and communities to support effective language access, and therefore improve health-seeking behaviors of LEP populations. Populations with (LEP) experience significant barriers to accessing health care services and understanding health information. They are more likely than populations whose primary language is English to have no source of care, report lower self-rated health, and lack health insurance. Limited literacy is associated with difficulties in proper medication use, utilization of health services and communication with providers. Federal laws and regulations, like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, require meaningful access for people who are LEP to federally funded programs and activities.