How does language shape access to healthcare, and what happens when patients and providers don’t speak the same language?

The Goleta Valley Library Express invites community members to join a conversation exploring these questions and more at Indigenous Language Interpretation and Healthcare, 2-3 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave.

“Santa Barbara County is home to a rich mix of cultures and languages, and ensuring everyone can access quality healthcare is an ongoing challenge,” event organizers said.

“This discussion will take a closer look at the unique barriers Indigenous language speakers often face in medical settings, and the essential role interpreters play in making care more accessible, accurate and equitable,” they said.

A panel of advocates and practitioners — Salustia Ávila, Guillem Belmar, Eric W. Campbell, Javier García, Abigail Hernández, and Jeremías Salazar — will share real-world insights, personal perspectives, and practical ideas for improving language access across healthcare systems.

The event will highlight the work of Justicia Social de Intérpretes de Lenguas Originarias (JSILO), a collaborative project focused on advancing equity and justice for Indigenous language interpreters and the communities they serve.

Presented by the Goleta Valley Library in partnership with the University of Oregon, this event is open to all — community members, healthcare professionals, students, and anyone curious about building more inclusive systems of care.

For more, contact the Goleta Valley Library Express, 805-964-7878.