Since its founding, the ECOHE has aimed to create publications, media, and education that is readable and inclusive of as many Erie County residents as possible using plain language, visually diverse imagery, and translation into the most commonly spoken and understood languages in Erie County.
The ECOHE focuses on plain language communication as means to reaching as many people as possible. This style of writing and speaking allows the work of the ECOHE to reach Erie County residents with different levels of education and English language comprehension. The ECOHE measures plain language and readability using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level test available in Microsoft applications. The ECOHE develops all educational publications within grade 4-7 reading levels. All acronyms, jargon, and complex terms are defined using simple phrases and commonly understood words. Plain language communication helps the ECOHE share important health information with residents with lower literacy levels and residents who are learning English or reading translated materials.
Erie County residents speak over 80 languages. The ECOHE offers materials in the top languages spoken and understood in Erie County. Using a combination of U.S. Census data, ECOHE data, and community feedback, the list of top languages currently includes Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Spanish, and Swahili.
The ECOHE produced the following language access resources to support community-based organizations in serving Erie County's diverse population:
The Let's Talk About series includes content that is embedded in erie.gov and available in over 50 languages using the Google Translate widget at the top or bottom of the page. This series is also translated into Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Spanish, and Swahili in PDF format to download and print.
Language Access Allies (accessible PDF) highlights some free and accessible language access tools including mobile apps and interpretation and translation services.
This PDF is also available in other languages:
Language Access Identification Tool is a resource that organizations can use at outreach events to help visitors understand what language access support is available to them. The signage works especially well at tabling events. The printed sign can be check marked or edited to show the language resources available.
Technical Support
Request Technical Assistance from the Office of Health Equity
Use this form to request technical assistance from the Erie County Department of Health Office of Health Equity for your group or organization.
Contact
Office of Health Equity
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-6988
Email: healthequity@erie.gov