The resources you need, where you need them
MultiCare is committed to promoting health awareness and access in our communities by bringing our expertise straight to you, whether you’re in our facilities or out in your neighborhood. Through health screenings, education and partnerships with community-led events, we provide vital services to individuals and families from all walks of life.
These are our communities. Our friends and families live and work here, too. That’s why we’re always looking for new ways to reach you where you are and connect with organizations to help meet your every need, beyond just medicine.
Learn about our community programs, events and outreach in the following sections:
Language access services
Interpreters at MultiCare help patients and families communicate with doctors, nurses, schedulers and other staff. Interpreters are available in person, over the phone and by video. Services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We use trained medical interpreters and MultiCare Qualified Bilingual Staff to provide interpreter services. They have the technical knowledge to accurately interpret your comments and questions, as well as the medical information provided by your health care team. When appropriate, they will also explain any cultural concepts or needs to medical staff to improve the quality of care you receive.
Language assistance services are available to you free of charge. For more information, call 253-403-1000 (TTY: 800-833-6384). Línea gratis de interpretación telefónica 855-462-3822.
In compliance with applicable federal civil right laws, MultiCare does not exclude, deny benefits to, nor discriminate on the basis of any differences, including language. Our full nondiscrimination and accessibility policies are available for review.
Read our frequently asked questions about interpreter services.
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Who needs an interpreter?
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Any patient or family who wants help communicating in English may have an interpreter in their preferred language for care.
Also, your health care team may request an interpreter to help make sure:
- They understand what you and your family say.
- They explain your condition and treatment in a way you understand.
- They answer all of your questions clearly.
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How do I get an interpreter for an appointment at MultiCare?
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To get an interpreter for an appointment:
- When you call to schedule your appointment, tell the scheduler you want an interpreter.
- We will schedule an interpreter for you. You do not need to do anything else; just come to your appointment on time.
- Your interpreter may be at your appointment in person, or they may interpret by telephone or video during the appointment.
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How can an interpreter meet my needs?
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An interpreter will:
- Interpret everything that is said in the room (even side conversations).
- Interpret exactly what is said.
- Explain any cultural concepts or needs to your health care team, if appropriate.
You and your health care team will face each other and speak directly with each other. For example, say to the doctor or other health care provider, “I have leg pain.” Do not say to the interpreter, “Tell the doctor I have leg pain.”
An interpreter is not allowed to:
- Read, fill out or sign forms or documents about your health care. Someone from your health care team will go over forms, if needed, and the interpreter will interpret what is said.
- Stay in the exam room to talk with you when a member of the health care team is not there. The interpreter will wait outside the room.
Access to care
At MultiCare, we’re dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients where they are because we understand that transportation and busy schedules can make accessing care difficult.
Through mobile clinics and other off-site opportunities, we’re bridging that gap. Just as important, we’re committed to growing the health care workforce and increasing care availability in the future.
- Mary Bridge Children’s Immunization Clinic: The best way to keep your child safe and healthy as they grow is by giving them all recommended vaccinations. MultiCare has partnered with local community agencies and schools to ensure everyone has access to trusted and safe vaccines and vaccine schedule advice.
- M.A.S.H. Camp: High school students receive firsthand, behind-the-scenes health care experience through the MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare (M.A.S.H.) Camp. This free, five-day camp is a window into the range of clinical and nonclinical career options available in the hospital setting.
Childhood safety
Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. Most, however, are preventable. Help us reduce these tragic accidents through education advocacy and best-practice interventions. Learn more at Mary Bridge Children’s Center for Childhood Safety.
Food access
Access to nutritious food plays a key role in overall health and well-being. At MultiCare, we’re committed to connecting patients with resources and programs that fill your plate and needs.
Health promotion and wellness
A healthy life requires a whole-body approach, and at MultiCare we’re here to support you through every part of that.
We’re committed to improving the health of our community through equitable access to nutrition and physical wellness support. From developing healthy habits at a young age with our pediatric wellness programs, to partnering with community leaders in physical activity, MultiCare is focused on growing positive relationships with food and the body that will last a lifetime.
Programs we offer
- ACT! Actively Changing Together: This 12-week program, provided by Yakima Memorial Hospital, helps children ages 8-14 develop healthy eating habits and become more active while getting parents/caregivers involved in improving their family’s lifestyle, too.
- Bilingual Kids Zumba/Zumba Bilingüe para niños: Get your children up and moving through the power and health benefits of dance, provided via Yakima Memorial Hospital.
- Blue Zones: In partnership with our community, MultiCare is tackling the phenomenon of the ZIP code effect to improve neighborhood well-being and boost economic vitality.
- Diabetes Prevention Program: The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an evidence-based program for those at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. It includes guidance and group sessions and is offered by MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital.
- Pediatric Wellness program: With an emphasis on overall health and well-being, our experts at Mary Bridge Children’s follow the “5 Keys to Feeding Well” and provide tools and resources to support caregivers in developing a positive feeding relationship with their children.
- Sound to Narrows: Get your running shoes on and join MultiCare for the Sound to Narrows (S2N) run and walk. There are options for everyone, including a 2K route with an eight-week training program for those under the age of 12, a 5K run/walk, and a 12K race and military run. All proceeds benefit the MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare (M.A.S.H.) Camp.
- Tobacco Cessation: Need help? See a list of community resources we’ve curated to help you quit smoking.
- YMCA and MultiCare: We’ve partnered with the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties for a direct referral program to provide evidence-based support for Type 2 diabetes prevention, childhood and family obesity intervention, Parkinson’s, hypertension and arthritis management, fall risk reduction, pregnancy and postpartum support, and cancer survivorship.