The Louis M. Plansoen Trust awards $25,000 to the Salem Hospital Foundation to support a Latino Nursing Assistant Class with Healthcare Interpreting Curriculum

December 18, 2009

According to data from the Pew Hispanic Center, Latinos are the fastest growing population in Oregon. Marion County, the largest county in our service area has experienced a 22% growth rate in the Latino population since 2004.

However, the percentage of Latino employees at Salem Hospital is currently only 5.8%. This presents a significant communication and cultural gap between patients and the employees who serve and care for these patients at Salem Hospital.

To address these important issues, meeting the needs of our Latino patients and improving access to healthcare jobs for Latino applicants, Salem Hospital will provide a nursing assistant training program, specifically, a cohort of Latino students.

To leverage their bilingual skills and increase their impact on patient care, students will also participate in Healthcare Interpreter training.

The Salem Hospital Foundation is providing one-to-one matching funds along with The Louis F. Plansoen Trust, resulting in a total of $50,000 for the project.

The students participating in this program will receive training wages while completing their education, textbooks, supplies and uniforms. After successful completion of the program they will have an opportunity to be placed in positions at Salem Hospital.