Allegheny Health Network Launches 'I Speak' Card Program to Enhance Patient Communication

Enhancing Patient Communication: Introduction of the 'I Speak' Card Program by AHN

Allegheny Health Network (AHN), in collaboration with its parent company Highmark Health, has recently launched an innovative initiative known as the 'I Speak' card program. This program is specifically designed to enhance communication for patients who may not speak English as their primary language. The announcement, made on December 22, 2025, marks an important step towards making healthcare more accessible and understandable for diverse populations.

The Need for the 'I Speak' Cards

Each year, thousands of patients within the AHN network and Highmark members face challenges when navigating their healthcare due to language barriers. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 25 million individuals in the U.S. have limited English proficiency. Miscommunication can lead to subpar medical care, longer emergency visits, unnecessary tests, and increased medical costs. The 'I Speak' program aims to alleviate these issues by providing a straightforward method for patients to communicate their language needs effectively.

How the Program Works

The 'I Speak' cards resemble traditional insurance cards and are printed in 29 different languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). These cards will be readily available in prominent areas across AHN's 10 acute-care hospitals, particularly in high-traffic locations such as emergency departments and labor and delivery units. Patients will be able to quickly identify their preferred language, enabling healthcare providers to connect them with the appropriate interpreter services upon arrival at the facility.

Furthermore, these cards are also distributed at outpatient medical facilities, expanding their reach and usage in various scenarios where patients may need language assistance.

Expansion and Significance

Originally, the 'I Speak' initiative was initiated through Highmark Health's insurance division, Highmark Inc., last year in retail locations within Delaware. The recent announcement highlights its significant expansion into healthcare facilities within the western Pennsylvania region and into Highmark's retail stores across Pennsylvania and New York.

The program is vital in addressing the communication needs of patients. Research from Midwestern University reveals that language barriers in healthcare settings can severely affect the quality of medical care. Patients encountering such barriers are more vulnerable to errors, anxiety, and may receive inadequate treatment. By establishing the 'I Speak' program, AHN aims not only to improve communication but also patient outcomes, ensuring that everyone has access to the quality care they deserve.

Engagement with Interpreting Services

Once a patient communicates their preferred language using the 'I Speak' card, AHN's operational team will engage their chosen language interpreter service provider, Cyracom. This service operates around the clock, tailor-made for healthcare scenarios. Veronica Villalobos, vice president of AHN’s Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs (S2W), emphasizes the program's purpose: to ensure peace of mind for patients in their healthcare experience.

“When we can better understand one another, we can better take care of one another,” Villalobos states. This principle underscores AHN's commitment to fostering a healthcare environment where every individual, regardless of their primary language, can receive optimal care.

Insights into Language Needs

From January to June of this year, AHN noted that Spanish was the most frequently requested language for interpretation, with 25.7% of requests. This was followed by Haitian Creole and Nepali at 22.7% and Arabic and ASL among other commonly spoken languages. This data showcases the necessary focus on linguistic diversity within healthcare settings, reaffirming AHN’s initiative to address these critical language needs.

In summary, the launch of the 'I Speak' card program represents a significant commitment to inclusivity and effective communication in healthcare at AHN and Highmark Health. By bridging language gaps, this initiative enhances the healthcare journey for countless patients and sets a precedent for how health systems can evolve to meet the needs of our diverse communities.