Allentown to Announce Interpreter Pilot Program with Lehigh Valley Health Network

Please join Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) for a joint unveiling of a pilot program that’s providing the Allentown Health Bureau and Allentown EMS with video remote interpreting (VRI) technology, allowing paramedics and health bureau workers to quickly and effectively connect with LVHN’s trained medical language interpreters. 

WHEN:         Tuesday August 23, 2022 – 11:00am

WHERE:       Mack South Fire Station, 1902 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103

The media and community members are invited to attend.


Background: Nearly half of Allentown’s population speaks a language other than English. Numerous studies show that language barriers not only have a significant negative impact on the quality and cost of healthcare, but also reduce both patient and medical provider satisfaction.  The pilot program between the City of Allentown and LVHN will help reduce trauma and anxiety associated with medical emergencies and facilitate better health outcomes for thousands of patients and their families for whom English is not their preferred language. The program is being funded by The Health Care Trust of Anne Constance and Carl Robert Anderson at LVHN.