October 30, 2023
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, public information officer, Western Region, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov
Mount Rogers Health District Launces Helpline to Assist Community Spanish Speakers
MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District has launched a helpline for those members of the community who are fluent in Spanish. The health district’s bilingual staff members will be available via the dedicated phone line to answer questions, schedule appointments, or assist with a variety of other public health services. Hours of operation for the helpline will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Mount Rogers community can access the service by calling 276-238-6105.
During the past year, the Mount Rogers Health District has placed an emphasis on providing information in both English and Spanish to increase access to its services. While great strides have been made in having print and social media materials available in both English and Spanish, the health district saw a need for better verbal communication options when they received calls from Spanish-speaking residents. This form of communication often involved having a friend or child serve as an interpreter.
“We continue to make it a priority to ensure we are able to provide a variety of ways in which our community can easily access our services,” said Meagan Helmick, PhD, MPH, CHES®, Director for Mount Rogers Health District. “Our helpline is another way we are making progress in reducing barriers and increasing accessibility to our services for all of our residents.”
While individuals will be able to call to schedule appointments and have their questions answered, the helpline will not be staffed with bilingual medical providers. For specific health related questions, a nurse will be requested to assist in returning those calls.
The Mount Rogers Health District is home to over 5,000 Hispanic individuals and spans eight localities—the counties of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe and the cities of Bristol and Galax. Any individual who lives in the Mount Rogers area or receives services at one of the eight health departments can access the Spanish language helpline by calling 276-238-6105.