Medical providers and staff are fluent in Spanish to offer patients a better experience and a convenient medical home

Story by: Lynne Choate on December 8, 2021

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On Monday, Nov. 22, Norton Community Medical Associates – La Clínica Preston, Norton Healthcare’s first 100% bilingual practice, will open in Okolona specifically to serve Louisville’s Latinx community.

“We are excited to bring together staff and providers who understand the unique health concerns of our Spanish speaking patients,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “Accessing health care is a right for everyone, and Norton Healthcare is committed to making it easier for those in our community who speak Spanish. While translation services are available at Norton Healthcare facilities, an office staffed with trusted employees who bridge language and culture gaps is a meaningful way to improve care for the growing Latinx community.”

“As members of the Latinx community ourselves, our dedicated staff understands the challenges and pressures these patients face around the language barrier,” said Juan G. Polo, M.D., internal medicine physician, who will see patients in the new office. “Anxiety and depression are common in this population, but we feel that by establishing trust through meaningful, culturally sensitive connections, we can better serve these patients.”

Liduvina Portillo, APRN, is a nurse practitioner who will see patients at La Clínica Preston. She hopes to better connect with patients on a cultural level as someone who understands the stresses around navigating barriers to accessing primary and specialty care.

“By opening a practice based in the Hispanic community, patients will be more comfortable seeking out and establishing care with a provider who understands their culture and language,” Liduvina said. “Now they can truly focus on their overall health and well-being. The ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes.”