Multi-Lingual Resources

Linn County Public Heath (LCPH) has compiled a list of multi-lingual resources for those who may need help in languages other than English.

A multi-lingual toolkit has been compiled by LCPH to inform those in our community who do not primarily speak English. Videos covering general information on COVID-19, isolation guidance for Iowans, and self-isolation have been translated into Arabic, French, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Spanish, and Swahili. Additionally, several COVID-19 factsheets are available for download in Arabic, Burmese, English, French, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Spanish, and Swahili within this resource. The multi-lingual toolkit also includes recommended websites in dozens of languages.

There are many resources available to educate Iowans of diverse ethnic backgrounds about COVID-19 and what to do to protect themselves and their families. 

The Iowa Primary Care Association (PCA) has compiled a list of helpful COVID-19 education resources including information, print-ready materials and videos that have been translated in multiple languages, including Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Nepali, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Vietnamese and more. 

These resources provide education on a variety of important topics, including:

·  Households living in close quarters,

·  What to do when you are sick,

·  Caring for yourself at home,

·  Controlling shortness of breath,

·  Home isolation guidelines, and more.

These materials have been created by the Centers for Disease Control, Avera Health and other organizations, and are available for your use. 

A comprehensive list of materials with links to where they are available for downloading is provided on the Iowa PCA website at iowapca.org/covid-19. 

The Congolese Health Partnership has created a three video series called “Protecting Our Community.” It covers the following topics:

  1. What is coronavirus?;

  2. How can we prevent coronavirus?; and

  3. How do we seek care for coronavirus?  

Currently English and Lingala are finished: Swahili and French will soon be available.  English: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhogviyA7rsVp7oR74tdNIzn8wXPabY8W
Lingala: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhogviyA7rsXU_yfQUEkfmbtcVzmCgogT

Go to their YouTube channel to stay up to date on new languages and videos:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2vlK71NAtudX20TlmdrVg.

The Iowa Multi-lingual COVID-19 Phone Line is available to help answer questions and connect to doctors and support services for any needs. Please call 877.558.2609 and select your language from the menu. To get more full information, see this flyer.

The Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa and Lutheran Services in Iowa, in partnership with 211, Polk County Health Department and the Iowa Department of Public Health have launched a new hotline to serve Iowans who are limited in English.

  • The number is 1-877-558-2609.

  • Interpreters will be available 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays with a 24 hour voicemail for 15+ languages