Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to modify three existing contracts for language services at Columbus Public Health in an amount not to exceed $135,000.00.
The contract with Access 2 Interpreters LLC, entered into on April 1, 2023 for the period ending March 31, 2024 will be modified by increasing the contract in an amount not to exceed $91,000.00 for a new contract amount of $249,400.00. This contract was previously increased with Ordinance 2836-2023.
The contract with Effectiff LLC, entered into on April 1, 2023 for the period ending March 31, 2024 will be modified by increasing the contract in an amount not to exceed $28,000.00 for a new contract amount of $95,000.00.
The contract with Sign Language USA LLC, entered into on May 1, 2023 for the period ending March 31, 2024 will be modified by increasing the contract in an amount not to exceed $16,000.00 for a new contract amount of $86,000.00.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires recipients of Federal financial assistance to take reasonable steps to make their programs, services, and activities accessible by eligible persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). As our LEP clients increase we must increase our resources to properly serve them.
Cost for interpretation and translations have increased as a direct result of requests. This is supported by immigration trends and the increase in the number of language service appointments. Unforeseen events such as the human trafficking crisis at Colonial Village and increased use of clinical services offered by CPH, especially by pediatric clients, have unexpectedly increased usage of interpretation services as well.
Staff are also better informed about the various ways they can provide equitable services to LEP clients and use the services more frequently. Education and training provided by Language Services uncovers new initiatives such as video dubbing, automated phone message translation, adding vid...
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