Open Health Care Clinic (Baranco-Clark YMCA)

"I want to emphasize two particular professionals: Kristie Carazo and Ángela, the clinic's translator. My husband and I arrived at our first appointments with various health problems: my husband with a severe lack of control in his blood pressure and persistent general malaise, and I with deep postpartum depression. Kristie, who has an impressive gift of service, has served us with a commitment and humanism that I, personally, have had a hard time finding in this health system. It has given us solutions, hopes and almost maternal care. I hope to always be able to receive care in this clinic and with this excellent professional. On the other hand, it is necessary to highlight Ángela, who, from my perspective, is a high-quality professional for several reasons. First of all, it is important to clarify that the majority of the translators that Hispanics have to deal with through the machines they have available for the service, have deficiencies in the interpretation and reproduction of the message, which often affect or prevent communication between the patient and the professional; However, Angela masters a fluid and organic bilingualism that ends up being key in the interaction and feedback between the two parties involved. It also helps a lot if you have knowledge and experience in the health care environment. Therefore, I believe that both for the clinic and for the patients of the Hispanic community, it is a luxury to have their presence. Both professionals are essential, and have my infinite gratitude."