SPHS Vietnamese Health Program Receives Culture of Inclusion Award
SPRINGFIELD — The Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) has received the Inclusive Culture of Excellence Award from parent organization Catholic Health East, in recognition of its ongoing support of the Vietnamese Health Project.
The award was presented to “celebrate the achievements of a high performing Regional Health Corporation that has furthered the Culture of Inclusion throughout their organization.”
Daniel Moen, President and Chief Executive Officer, SPHS, accepted the award at a recent Catholic Health East leadership meeting.
“The Vietnamese community of Greater Springfield has come to rely on the Vietnamese Health Project to provide a variety of services related to health care and insurance issues, as well as unique services designed to meet individual needs such as medical translation for appointments and the coordination of prenatal care,” said Moen. “The Inclusive Culture of Excellence Award underscores our commitment to this remarkable program and furthers our mission to be a transforming, healing presence in the local community.”
Under the direction of Thu Pham, program coordinator, the Vietnamese Health Project assists more than 700 people annually, and provides hundreds of services to Vietnamese refugees and immigrants. These services include assistance with access to health care, health insurance applications, selection of primary care providers, medical translation for appointments, home visits and health education services. Over the past three years, the VHP has provided 10,430 case-management encounters to Vietnamese families and individuals.
Because the concept of Western medicine is foreign to many Vietnamese, Pham and case managers Tammy Nguyen and Winnie Ly not only work to build their clients’ understanding and trust in the health care system, they also encourage the clinical provider’s appreciation of the Vietnamese culture. As a result of these efforts, the Vietnamese Health Project has a rich history of providing essential health care services.
“Our clients face numerous challenges as they adapt to life in a new country, particularly if they struggle to understand English. We help them navigate what they often view as a complicated health care system, and offer support so that they can receive the quality care they need,” said Pham.
