Language Access Champions to be honored in Charleston by NCIHC

CHARLESTON, S.C. - May 9, 2014 - PRLog -- Three leading healthcare professionals will each be recognized as 2014 Language Access Champions at the 8^th Annual Membership Meeting of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC).  The purpose of this award is to honor a person, program, or organization whose work has contributed to improving the lives of all people through the promotion of language access in healthcare.  “I have the honor of having a personal connection to each of this year’s recipients in some fashion, and I can state unequivocally that each is truly deserving of this recognition,” stated Joy Connell, NCIHC President.  “From the hands-on direct provision of actually interpreting themselves, to managing a major Interpreter Services Department in a large urban area, to hiring and training interpreters, these folks have had a significant role to play.”

Who:·
• Allison Bayer, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Cambridge Health Alliance
• Teresita “Terry” Cataag Bautista, Consultant and Educator; former Director of Interpreter Services at Alameda County Medical Center
• John Nickrosz, Retired, Former President of the Massachusetts Medical Interpreters Association (MMIA)

What:          Award Ceremony and Reception

Where:          Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Suites – Historic District
181 Church Street; Charleston, South Carolina

When:          Friday, June 6 at 6:00 PM

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they so deserve for their efforts to promote language access in health care,” said Connell.  “Each one has worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone, regardless of ability to speak English, has access to services.  Each one is a true hero and a definite champion.”

Bautista, Bayer, and Nickrosz join a distinguished group of individuals and organizations selected as Language Access Champions from prior years.  The award ceremony will take place at the NCIHC “Interpretini” Reception, an annual event held at the end of the first day of the organization’s Annual Membership Meeting.

To learn more about NCIHC, or to register for the event, visit http://www.ncihc.org.