Retired Teacher Offers Free Spanish Classes to Hospital Staff

Bridging Communication Gaps

• 💡 A retired Cold Spring Harbor High School Spanish teacher, Kathleen Fristenski, is volunteering her time to teach Spanish at Huntington Hospital.
• 🎯 Fristenski was inspired to start the classes after noticing many Spanish-speaking patients struggled to communicate with hospital staff.

Program Growth and Impact

• 🚀 The weekly classes, initially offered remotely for staff who couldn't leave their posts, have seen an overwhelming response.
• 📈 Approximately 225 people have signed up for the classes, demonstrating a strong desire among healthcare workers to learn.
• 🗣️ The program focuses on full immersion and practical, off-the-cuff communication to mirror real-life patient interactions.

Benefits for Patients and Staff

• ✅ Hospital officials highlight the therapeutic benefits of communicating with patients in their own language, improving understanding of illnesses and adherence to medical plans.
• 🌟 Fristenski notes that this is a unique program because every single student is eager to learn, making it a rewarding experience for her.
• 🤝 The initiative is described as a homegrown, organic program that goes beyond mere kindness, fostering better patient care.

Volunteer Dedication

• 💖 Kathleen Fristenski has volunteered over 400 hours at Huntington Hospital, demonstrating a deep commitment to the community and the program's success.