Bridging the gap with PFAC Hispano in 2024

Decisions about patient care and the patient experience should include a patient perspective. This is why the CMH Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a very important group of people.

We formed a PFAC Hispano in 2024 to get perspectives from our Hispanic/Latino members of the community.

The PFAC Hispano speaks up for Spanish‑speaking patients in discussions about the hospital experience. Hear what some members had to say about joining the group:

Promover y mejorar la calidad, seguridad y cultura dentro de nuestra comunidad cada vez más diversa

"I joined PFAC Hispano to promote and enhance the quality, safety and culture within our increasingly diverse community."
— Maritza Casarrubias-Sanchez

Mejor apoyo y servicio a nuestros pacientes que hablan español

"I appreciate the drive to serve patients' needs no matter the circumstances for a CMH visit. I was invited to apply to PFAC Hispano and have enjoyed being a part of important changes to hospital materials and efforts to understand how we can better support and serve our Spanish-speaking patients."
— Adriana Guerrero

Quiero ser una voz para la comunidad Latinx

"One of the reasons I agreed to be part of this project is because I want to be a voice for the Latinx community. [It is] a reminder that we...want to be heard and included — and what a great opportunity to do so."
— Norma Hernandez

Comprometidos con mejorar los servicios de salud para las personas que hablan español

"I am part of this committee because I understand that language barriers...can prevent non-English speakers from accessing care, leading to misunderstandings and mistrust between clients and providers. As a member of the Hispanic community, I am committed to improving health services for Spanish speakers, believing that access to care in their language will encourage more individuals to seek medical help and address health disparities in Clatsop County."
— Paula Bartheld

Dar voz a la comunidad creciente en el condado

"I have four beautiful children and a lovely husband who encouraged me to be more proactively involved in our community to improve services for the Hispanic people. As part of PFAC Hispano, I have that opportunity, and I'm able to share experiences and challenges, giving a voice to our growing community in the county."
— Viridiana Garcia

Formando la atención médica para nuestra comunidad Latina

"I joined PFAC Hispano to actively participate in shaping the conversations and decisions that affect the Latine community in our area. There is tremendous opportunity to bring about meaningful change and improvements in health care, ensuring it is tailored to the language and cultural needs of our community. I applaud CMH for establishing this advisory committee and for demonstrating genuine care and commitment to supporting the well-being of the Latine population."
— Rocio Simmons

Bridging the gap for the Latino community in Clatsop County

"Soy latino y formo parte de este comité con la idea de aportar y ayudar un poco más a la comunidad latina de Clatsop County. Ayudar a mejorar la conexión con el sistema para que no se sientan marginados."
— Marcelo Hernandez

Abogando por los derechos del paciente y la competencia cultural

"I am part of the PFAC committee because I want to voice what our community's current needs are. As part of the Clatsop County community, I want to make sure the patient has the right to considerate and respectful care and...has the right to and is encouraged to obtain from physicians and other direct caregivers relevant, current and understandable information concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in their native language. [The] goal [is] increasing cultural competence and decreasing health disparities."
— Argelia Mendez