The life-saving links between communication, cultural competency, and healthcare

Imagine you're in the midst of a medical emergency. You know to call 911, but the voice on the other end either can’t understand you, you can’t understand them, or both. This obstacle presents problems for members of immigrant communities. Dr. Van Hellerslia, a clinical associate professor at the Temple University School of Pharmacy, is hoping her efforts can offer a blueprint for breaking down these barriers. A Vietnam native, Hellerslia received a $231,000 grant to work on decreasing the impact of strokes on Vietnamese Americans. She shares her insights on how language and cultural competency leads to more effective care.