You are working at the local community health centre and Thuy, an older Vietnamese woman comes to the front desk clearly very distressed saying she has just found out her daughter is hep C positive. She speaks very little English and is clearly uncomfortable being at the health centre. She asks you for some information about hepatitis C in Vietnamese for her family. All the available resources are in English. What do you do?
Issues for discussion
- Remember that there can often be very different generational viewpoints within families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALDB) and be sensitive to these possible differences.
- People from CALDB communities often experience difficulties accessing hepatitis C programs due to cultural and language barriers as well as fear of stigmatisation from their communities.
- Concepts of ‘blood’, ‘illness’ and ‘infection’ may also vary between cultures.
Client issues
- Try and find an area that may be more private to talk with Thuy.
- If she does not want to be in the centre attempt to arrange meetings with local CALD organisations or arrange for a Vietnamese interpreter.
- Provide information in English with a referral to an organisation or translation service.
- Inquire about support services for her daughter.
Organisational issues
- Order resources in various languages addressing issues relating to hepatitis C.
- If resources do not exist plan to develop some resources by working with local CALD organisations.
- Seek advice on how to make your service more accessible to people from CALD communities.