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9th Annual OHCIA Conference Photos

9th Annual OHCIA Conference

Working Together To Overcome Challenges

May 4, 2024 // Portland, OR

OHCIA’s 9th annual conference will be held on May 4, 2024, in the Robertson Life Sciences Building - OHSU Waterfront. This year’s theme is “Working together to overcome challenges!” We will discuss topics such as trauma abroad, the rise of artificial intelligence, and language access hurdles. As the interpreting profession faces diverse challenges, we must unite as a community to meet them.

Conference Details

When: May 4, 2024

Where: Robertson Life Sciences Building - OHSU Waterfront Portland, Oregon

Schedule: Download Now!

Registration: Registration is now closed

NOTE: You must be registered for the conference to receive CEUs. If you paid for CEUs but forgot to register for the conference, please contact training@ohcia.org to make arrangements now. Only registered individuals will be allowed in the building. No exceptions.

Schedule

7:30AM Registration opens, light breakfast and networking

MAIN PROGRAM

8:30AM Welcome and remarks (Auditorium)

8:35AM OHSU welcome - Dr. Donn Spight

8:50AM 2024 Interpreter of the Year Award and recognitions

9:05AM Keynote Speaker - Enrica J Ardemagni, Ph.D

9:45AM Break / Networking

10:00AM to 12PM Breakout Sessions

CEUs

10AM-12PM	Managing the False Hope of AI - Yellow Room (2^nd floor)
	Unpacking Equity Through a Language Justice Lens - Green Room (2^nd floor)
	Best Practices in Interpreting Oncology Appointments - Red room (3^rd floor)
	Researching Language Justice - Blue Room (3^rd floor)

Workshops (No need to register in advance)

10:00AM Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA, MSW - Auditorium

Language Access in New York State: An Overview
Better Health through Better Understanding

11:00AM Oregon Health Authority Division of Equity and Inclusion - Auditorium

11:00AM Unite Oregon - Pink room (2^nd floor)

12:00PM Lunch break / Networking / Prizes

1:00PM Coffee break / Networking

2:00PM to 4:00PM Breakout Sessions

CEUs

2PM–4PM	Optimizing Online Research for Language Professionals - Yellow Room (2^nd floor)
	Causes for Concern: Emotional Distress for Healthcare Inter. - Green Room (2^nd floor)
	Healthcare Interpreter Certification Setting the Course - Red room (3^rd floor)
	Register: The Effects on Message Accuracy- Blue Room (3^rd floor)

Workshops (No need to register in advance)

2:00PM Oregon Health Authority Division of Equity and Inclusion - Auditorium

2:00PM Oregon Judicial Department (OJD)- Pink room (2^nd floor)

3:00PM Sign Language Licensing Discussion - Auditorium

4:00PM Conference closes

8AM – 4PM OHSU Knight Cancer Institute's Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (Pathfinder 2) The study aims to improve early cancer detection and is open to those who are 50-79* years old and have never been diagnosed with cancer or have been cancer-free for at least three years.

Purple Room (2^nd floor)

Download Conference Schedule PDF

Download Map PDF

OHCIA Health Care Interpreter of the Year Award

The winner of the Interpreter of the Year Award will be announced during this year’s conference. We want to honor a Health Care Interpreter who exemplifies the profession and strives to serve their communities by providing health care equity through language access.

Nominations are closed as of Friday, March 15, 2024.

Congratulations to the semifinalists for the OHCIA Interpreter of the Year Award 2024!

We want to honor these Health Care Interpreters who exemplify the profession and strive to serve their communities by providing health care equity through language access:

In alphabetic order:

Cheslin Esetok

Felicity Ratway

Salome Chauncey

Dahiana Oliver

Jessica Mendoza

Sorin Crivceag

Elena Bond

Roxana Ocaranza

Yessenia Quinonez Vargas

About Roxana Ocaranza:

“She has continued working without seeking accolades for the amazing dedication, commitment and professionalism she has brought to the work.

Keynote Presentation

Challenges, Adapting, Resilience: What Interpreters Can Learn from Bees

Enrica J Ardemagni, Ph.D.

Just when we think we have about made it in the interpreting realm, training and education, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, certification, laws requiring language access, the boogie man jumps out to attack us in the world of advanced technology. The challenges surmount on those who have been working in interpreting, it is daunting for those who want to enter interpreting, and there exists a general sense of concern about “making it” in the field or being able to continue working. Our challenges could be defined as problems, barriers, hurdles, hindrances, drawbacks, and limitations. How do we approach these challenges? Let’s learn and take inspiration from the bees and explore a balanced approach on how to face these challenges.

Welcome by Dr. Donn Spight

Dr. Donn Spight is a Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University and a staff physician in the Operative Care Division at the Portland VA Medical Center. Dr. Spight went to Medical School at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois and did his General Surgery training at the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Spight is actively involved in healthcare training and has served as the Medical Director for OHSU Simulation since 2018. Dr. Spight is a former Associate Program Director in the Department of Surgery Residency and was an inaugural Diversity Navigator in the School of Medicine from 2019-2022. He is passionate about health equity and serves on numerous community Boards including the North By Northeast community Health clinic and REAP (Reaching and Empowering All People).

Thank You to our Sponsors!

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS

OHSU

OHSU is Oregon’s only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health – and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland’s largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

Health Share

Health Share of Oregon is the state’s largest Medicaid coordinated care organization (CCO), serving almost 440,000 Oregon Health Plan members in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Our mission is to partner with communities to achieve ongoing transformation, health equity and the best possible health for each individual. Health Share was founded and continues to be governed by 11 health care organizations serving OHP members: Adventist Health, CareOregon, Central City Concern, Clackamas County, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Multnomah County, Oregon Health & Science University, Providence Health & Services, Tuality Health Alliance and Washington County.

GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR

SACHE International Language

Download Sache Flier

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS

CareOregon

For 30 years, CareOregon has offered health services and community benefit programs to Oregon Health Plan members. Today, we support the needs of over 500,000 Oregonians through three coordinated care organizations, a Medicare Advantage plan, a Tribal Care Coordination program, an Indian Managed Care Entity, a dental care organization, and in-home medical care, palliative care and hospice with Housecall Providers.

Linguava

Founded in 2010, Linguava Interpreters has been a driving force in the language services industry, offering video and telephonic interpretation, along with document translation, available around the clock. Our team comprises a diverse array of professionals committed to delivering comprehensive, responsive, and top-quality language access for patients, providers, families, and coordinated care organizations. We also provide client training and ongoing support, solidifying our commitment to raising the bar for language access standards.

Oregon Certified Interpreter’s Network

OCIN’s vision is a world where people don’t have to worry about going somewhere or choose not to go somewhere because they don’t speak English. By bringing experience and insight into the language access field, we want to help create spaces accessible to people from all walks of life who might not speak English as their first language.

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

Court Language Access Services coordinates interpreting services in Oregon circuit courts for people with limited English proficiency in over 200 languages and for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and people with hearing loss. To provide interpreting in judicial districts statewide, the OJD employs full-time Oregon Certified interpreters and contracts with freelance interpreters.

Our mission is to bridge the communication gap in healthcare by providing specialized, high-quality American Sign Language interpretation services. Committed to linguistic accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical standards, we aim to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Through our expertise and dedication, we strive to facilitate clear, respectful, and empathetic communication between healthcare providers and patients, fostering a healthier, more inclusive communication experience.

Passport To Languages Inc. was founded in 1987, upon the belief that all patients should have equitable access to language assistance, integrated into the daily practice of clinicians statewide. As a result, we consistently deliver world-class, high-quality interpreting and translation to all Oregon residents, regardless of income.

English 2 Spanish (E2S) is a Latina-owned, emerging language services provider based in Central Oregon. E2S was created in 2017 to help meet the growing need for Spanish-language services in Central Oregon, but has since become a statewide service provider with interpretation and translation services in over 100 languages. E2S is committed to being a bridge to public life for all clients through our high-quality, culturally-specific interpretation and translation services. E2S also strives to further develop the interpreting and translation professions through regional language services advocacy and investment in creating opportunities, or access points, for interpreter/translator professional development in rural Oregon.

Certified Languages International offers solutions to help create meaningful connections between organizations and clients or customers by making it easier for everyone to communicate in their native language. To learn more, please visit www.certfiedlanguages.com.

Established in 2006, Bridges is Central Oregon's premier group of local interpreters, specializing in healthcare. Our highly skilled team offers interpreting in 152 languages and Sign Language, in-person, via video, or by phone. We also provide translation services, document translation, and transcription in multiple languages. Additionally, we offer workshops and training to enhance patient care quality and promote cultural awareness, equity, and inclusion. Serving Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties, as well as most of Eastern Oregon.

CCHI is the only national certifying entity offering accredited certification programs for medical interpreters of any language. CCHI offers three national certifications: the knowledge-based CoreCHI™ certification, and the performance-based certifications: CHI™ (available in Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish) and CoreCHI-Performance™ (for interpreters of all other languages). CCHI counts over 5,000 certificants nation-wide.

LanguageLine Solutions® has worked to enable total understanding for over 40 years. Join our team and discover why we earned our fourth consecutive Great Place to Work Certification. *We offer an Oregon Health Authority-approved training program and can help your organization comply with OHA’s Health Care Interpreter (HCI) requirements.

Get Started With ILB Today

IRCO's International Language Bank (ILB) is a renowned language service provider in the Northwest, known for its commitment to exceptional service, efficient workflows, and high-quality results that adhere to deadlines. Our skilled team offers affordable services, specializing in languages of less diffusion and meeting the growing needs for interpretation, particularly within Portland's immigrant and refugee communities.

We are currently seeking qualified interpreters to join our dynamic team.

NEW STAR LEVEL SPONSORS

AFSCME Oregon Interpreters in Action (OIA) is a union of qualified and certified health care
interpreters creating a stronger voice to advocate for ourselves and the communities we serve.
We aim to improve working terms, increase resources available, standardize the industry, and
make our profession truly sustainable.

PHP "People Helping People"

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core to our values and in-line with our long-standing commitment to represent the diversity of America. Regardless of your background, education, or experience, PHP provides an equal opportunity to provide financial education to the underserved communities in America and help protect their families’ legacies through life insurance products.

Join the mission and become an integral part of the solution. As part of our dedicated interpreters, you will work alongside our clients to foster inclusivity and break down language barriers. Together we can create a world where everyone can communicate freely and understand one another.

The Education Fund is a partnership between 22 healthcare industry employers and 6 SEIU local unions, funded by collectively bargained employer contributions to provide education and training benefits for over 100,000 eligible healthcare workers.

Explore Oregon State University's Spanish-English Healthcare Interpreter Program, an OHA-approved 64-hour course tailored for Spanish-English interpreters. Designed for beginners and professionals, taught in English, you'll meet the criteria for State qualification and certification, empowering you to enhance language access in healthcare.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Maria Michalczyk for her contribution to the raffle prizes.

OSTI is a professional organization established to promote the recognition and advancement of the professions of translation interpretation. OSTI supports high standards for quality, ethics and business practices in these related professions. OSTI organizes continuing education classes, workshops and special events as well as opportunities to network and socialize with colleagues who share common interests.