From passive care to participatory care

At iSpeakHealth, we believe language is power, and access to health shouldn’t depend on fluency.

Every year, millions of individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) face unnecessary barriers when trying to navigate healthcare systems. Language gaps lead to miscommunication, delayed care, and poorer health outcomes. That’s why we advocate for language justice in healthcare — so that every person can understand, communicate, and take charge of their health.

Health as a Second Language is more than a name — it’s a philosophy.

Health has its own language: full of unfamiliar terms, complex systems, and cultural expectations. For LEP individuals, learning English may be their second language, but navigating healthcare is often like learning a third.

Our campaign reframes health literacy as a skill that everyone deserves to learn — combining English education with culturally responsive, health-focused content. By doing so, we help people move from dependence to confidence, clarity, and control.

What We Mean by "Health as a Second Language"

We're proud to launch Health as a Second Language, a grassroots advocacy campaign to improve health literacy in LEP communities

This initiative includes:

• English lessons focused on real-life health situations

• Training programs for community advocates

• Culturally relevant nutrition and chronic disease education

• Public awareness campaigns to reframe language access as health equity

Join us in building health equity through language!

Ways to help:

• Volunteer as an HSL educator

• Host a training or share your space for community events

• Donate to help expand access to our curriculum

• Follow and amplify our message

• Share your story

Interested in volunteering?

Our Impact Goals

• LEP individuals feel confident managing their health

• Emergency room visits decline due to increased literacy

• More people participating in preventive care

• Every person, regardless of language, can speak health

Why Advocacy Matters

Our Featured Campaign: Health as a Second Language (HSL)