Bridging Health and Language: Empowering Refugees Through English Education

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-8-2026

Abstract

Limited English proficiency creates major barriers for refugees seeking healthcare, even with interpreters. Effective communication builds trust and ensures understanding, yet interpreters may miss important nuances. Refugees with limited English often struggle to navigate the system, follow instructions, or express concerns, leading to delays and miscommunication.  In Grand Rapids, many ESL resources exist, but awareness is low, programs are scattered, and transportation challenges limit participation. Refugees are frequently placed in classes that do not match their educational background. These issues show the need for a centralized, multilingual directory that connects refugees to appropriate ESL programs and transportation support, helping them build independence and engage confidently with healthcare and community systems.

The project focused on refugees in the Greater Grand Rapids area who face limited English proficiency and related barriers in navigating healthcare and community resources. We conducted a community-based descriptive study aimed at identifying ESL access gaps and improving coordination among providers. Methods included in-person interviews and structured meetings with major ESL organizations, churches, and educational institutions to gather program details, barriers, and resource capacity. Data collection relied on qualitative techniques: stakeholder interviews, program audits, and comparative review of existing ESL and transportation services. Findings were synthesized to create a centralized, multilingual ESL resource directory. No formal statistical tests were required, as the project used qualitative analysis to identify themes, gaps, and opportunities for coordinated intervention.

The central takeaway is that refugees in Grand Rapids are not limited by a lack of ESL programs, but by fragmented information, mismatched placement, and transportation barriers that prevent effective use of existing resources. By consolidating ESL and transportation options into a single multilingual directory, the project directly addresses these gaps and empowers refugees to access education, navigate healthcare, and build independence. Its broader impact lies in improving health literacy, strengthening trust between refugees and healthcare providers.

Comments

2026 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 8, 2026. Abstract 1867

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