By Cheryl Regan
City of Hope is looking for Spanish-speaking patients, caregivers and their family members who are interested in improving services at the medical center — and have some time to give. A task force of staff members from the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center is creating a new Spanish Patient and Family Advisory Council. The group will provide a voice to those who primarily speak Spanish so that City of Hope can better meet the needs of more patients.
Blanca Rivas, right, and Lina Mayorga discuss the new council with visitors. (Photo by AmyCantrell.com)Eight to 12 patients, parents of pediatric patients and other family members or caregivers will serve on the council. Candidates should be familiar with City of Hope and be willing to share opinions about the Spanish-speaking patient experience.
Members are asked to commit to attending a monthly meeting for a one-year term.
The process includes an application and interview. Accepted candidates will attend an orientation session so they can meet other members and learn more about City of Hope.
“Having this program will empower the patient; it will give them a voice,” said Elizabeth Chavez, patient resources coordinator at the Biller Patient and Family Resource Center. “The Spanish Patient and Family Advisory Council will help us develop and implement new programs and support groups for our patients.”
Scheduled to begin meeting in spring 2012, the council will provide input and insight on projects such as a new orientation class for Spanish speakers, a map of City of Hope in Spanish and potential new support groups.
The creation of the new council is part of a growing number of efforts and services for Spanish speakers. These include a new City of Hope website in Spanish, classes on legal issues and nutrition, yoga sessions and a bimonthly class at the Positive Image CenterSM that helps women use wigs, cosmetics and other products to look and feel good during treatment.
Staff members who know of potential candidates are encouraged to contact the task force. For more information on the Spanish Patient and Family Advisory Council, email elconcilio@coh.org or call 626-256-4673, ext. 69224. Applications are available at the Biller Patient and Family Resource Center.
