There is a great -- and growing -- need for language assistance services in California. Health services researchers have demonstrated that language barriers result in decreased patient comprehension, reduced adherence to treatment regimens and lower patient satisfaction. Language barriers also have been associated with increased risk of medication errors, longer emergency room stays and higher medical costs. There are several research studies that suggest providing trained interpreters can improve the quality and decrease the cost of care.

The Language Access initiative has supported policy and advocacy efforts to ensure language access, documentation and development of training programs and standards for health care interpreters; applied research to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of language assistance services; and development of technological solutions to increase language access.

The Endowment also has supported the education and engagement of physicians and other health care providers to increase awareness of language barriers and the need for trained health care interpreters. Finally, the foundation has supported a multilingual social marketing campaign that engages Limited English Proficient consumers through ethnic media increasing awareness of their rights to health care interpreters.