Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

BUENA VISTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER – Storm Lake, Iowa
Accessing Healthcare in Storm Lake (Tener Acceso al Cuidado Medico en Storm Lake) Program

What is it?
A video tutorial, developed by the medical center and Buena Vista University, that answers many of the questions and concerns expressed by Spanish-speaking community members about accessing health care services. Working closely with hospital department managers, hospital interpreters, public health officials, physician clinics, and the community health center, the video’s creators developed a practical approach to providing the necessary information. Physicians, employees, interpreters, and university students acted for the video, and the entire presentation has a voice-over, telling the story in Spanish. An English version of the video is also available. 

Who is it for?
Community residents whose primary language is Spanish.

Why do they do it?
For many Spanish-speaking residents of Storm Lake, accessing health care was a challenging and mysterious effort. This carefully crafted video tutorial clears up the mystery. 

Impact: Local employers such as Tyson and Sara Lee, the school district, parenting groups, and health-related organizations, such as the United Community Health Center, have integrated the video into their orientations for new employees and/or program participants. Tyson, for example, screens the video every week as part of its orientation program, and an estimated 600 new hires saw it last year at Tyson alone.

Contact: Ann Mackrill-Wilson
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Telephone: 712-213-8601
Email: mackrill-wilson.ann@bvrmc.org