Translators keeping busy around Pitt County, North Carolina

“Public health isn’t the only Pitt County department that has seen its policies for handling language barriers change in the last few years. Pitt schools are using federal programs to teach English and help Spanish-speaking students adapt easier and the Department of Social Services recently adjusted its budget to allocate for a full-time interpreter as well. There are also private interpreter services that provide contract help for organizations throughout the county.

But is it enough?

“I think we are prepared for the demand better than we’ve been in my experience here, but you would always like more,” said John L. Reed, administrative officer for public health. “I think in public health in general, there is an infinite need and a finite amount of resources. If I could squeeze another translator in the budget I probably would, but I’ve got a finite amount of resources so I’ve got to allocate properly.”"

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