As a community-based organization, HealthFinders Collaborative (HFC) counts on the involvement of 100+ volunteers annually. 2020 has been no different. In fact, given the impacts of COVID-19 and the accompanying health care system challenges, volunteer support has never been more essential to the smooth operation of the organization – especially when it comes to how holistic health care is being carried out virtually.
Nimble, culturally responsive care is an integral piece of the fabric that creates HealthFinders, a piece that continues to shine bright even in the dark of a public health crisis. As soon as COVID-19 hit Rice County, HealthFinders pivoted to serve patients in ways that meet their needs while maintaining standards and procedures to keep the clinic safe. One of these adaptations was the addition of telehealth appointments that include patient translation services.
Accessible Care, No Matter What
Ensuring accessible health care is a core value to HealthFinders’ model of care. The organization knew that continuing to bring that same level of accessibility had to be maintained – no matter the challenges of the pandemic. By offering telehealth, HealthFinders provides accessible care opportunities for those in Rice County who already have limited health care alternatives and are now faced with new obstacles due to COVID-19.
Prior to COVID-19, when non-English speaking patients came in for visits, they typically had an interpreter in the room, so it was important to keep that option available during the pandemic. Now, with the inclusion of interpretation services in telehealth appointments, HFC continues to remove language barriers and provide care, even from afar and during a difficult time.
Stepping Up to the Plate
“At the beginning of the pandemic, staff members were performing much of the virtual interpreting operations,” says Daisey Sanchez, HealthFinders’ director of operations. “Once we had time to settle into a new system, adapt processes, and strategize how to keep volunteers engaged through virtual clinics, longtime volunteers stepped up to the plate to interpret virtually via phone and video.”
Two of those committed individuals include student volunteers Anna Schumacher and Annabella Strathman. Both were eager to continue their involvement with HealthFinders, looking for ways to help wherever and however they could during COVID-19.
They now just offer their time a little differently – by joining virtual patient appointments to interpret health information for patients who need it. All from the safety of their own homes.

"Working with the Northfield community through HFC has been a huge part of my time at Carleton, and I'm so glad we've found a way to pivot during COVID-19 to continue to provide essential health services. Interpreting over the phone is a challenge, as you lose the facial and body language cues that help with communication, so this new style of volunteering has really tested (and improved!) my language skills, so I'm now able to better communicate with our Spanish-speaking patients. I definitely miss getting to interact directly with patients and the staff/volunteer family at HFC, but staying distanced right now is part of caring for the health of our community. This transition to online services has demonstrated just how determined HFC is to ensure that our communities have access to the care they need, and I'm so proud to be part of the team!" – Anna Schumacher, student volunteer

“Working with HFC has been an amazing opportunity to connect with the Northfield community, and has added a lot to my Carleton experience. The HFC staff and volunteer group is a wonderful community and family. I have learned so much not only about the Spanish language, but about the people of Northfield, and how crucial health care providers such as HFC truly are. And, while interpreting virtually has brought about new challenges, HFC's drive to continue to provide essential health services and fight for the health of our community throughout COVID-19 has been inspiring. I miss interacting with patients and other volunteers in person, and look forward to the day when we can do it again!” – Annabella Strathman, student volunteer
Daisey adds, “Some of our HealthFinders volunteers had to opt out at the beginning of the pandemic and stop volunteering because they were high risk. We miss them and want to give them a special shoutout! We look forward to the day when our volunteer operations are back at full capacity.”
HealthFinders is on the lookout for more volunteers and interpreters! Interested in volunteering at HealthFinders? Please fill out our Volunteer Application or contact us.
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