Kane County Launches Free Behavioral Health Interpreter Training

URGENT UPDATE: The Kane County Health Department has just announced two free specialized training sessions for behavioral health interpreters, aimed at breaking down language barriers in mental health care. These trainings, set to occur at the Kane County Regional Office of Education in Geneva, Illinois, are essential for enhancing communication with individuals whose primary language is not English.

The first session will take place over two days, starting on September 2, 2023, and concluding on September 3, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This intensive 14-hour training is designed specifically for bilingual interpreters and will provide immersive instruction in the principles and practices of interpreter communication within behavioral health settings. Participants must be fluent in a language other than English to attend.

The second training session is scheduled for September 4, 2023, also from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This 7-hour session focuses on effective collaboration with interpreters in behavioral health contexts. It will cover vital topics such as communication styles, cultural nuances, and strategies to enhance care for clients with limited English proficiency.

Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson emphasized the importance of these trainings, stating,

“These trainings address a critical need in behavioral health – ensuring that language barriers never become barriers to care.”

He added that equipping both interpreters and providers with necessary skills will foster stronger and more inclusive services across Kane County.

Space is limited to 40 participants for each session, making early registration crucial. Interested individuals can register online at docs.google.com. These training sessions are part of the health department’s ongoing Behavioral Health Systems Improvement Initiatives, designed to enhance mental health services for all community members.

This initiative not only aims to improve service delivery but also reflects a growing recognition of the need for cultural competency in healthcare. As Kane County strives to create a more inclusive environment, the impact of these training sessions will resonate across the community, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of language.

For more information about the trainings and other initiatives, visit www.kanehealth.com. Act now to secure your spot and help build a more inclusive healthcare system in Kane County!