April 17, 2025
RED DEER – Newcomers to Canada have improved access to vital public health services in Red Deer with the launch of a new Alberta Health Services (AHS) pilot program.
The Inbound Call Interpreter service at Johnstone Crossing Community Health Centre, launched last month, enables patients and clients calling in to choose from a pre-recorded menu of seven languages, which will connect them to a medical interpreter. The language menu features options in Arabic, Ukrainian, Tigrinya, Tagalog, Spanish, French and English.
“When we reviewed our programs and services, we identified some individuals called in to our switchboard but didn’t choose an option or leave a message because they didn’t have a level of comfort with English,” says Kandice Wilson, Public Health Director, AHS Central Zone.
“We turned to AHS’ Interpretation and Translation Services to find a way to decrease those barriers between critical health services and our clients whose first language is not English. The ultimate aim is better health outcomes.”
Clients can call the community health centre at 403-356-6300. Some of the services offered include newborn care, postpartum care, immunizations and nutrition.
“Though AHS has used interpreters for many years, this service is a first for the organization and fills a specific need to help clients navigate in a way that’s most helpful for them,” says Kayathiri Ganeshamoorthy, Provincial Program Lead, AHS Interpretation and Translation Services.
“In addition to our country’s official languages, we are offering interpretation services in the languages most spoken in the region. We hope this increases access to critical services, and makes health and wellness more equitable for all families.”
The new service is being piloted for a year, then evaluated.
Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
