Alameda County recognizes AHS leader for lengthy contributions to the community over multiple decades.
In the ethnically and linguistically diverse Alameda County, where many residents arrive with limited English proficiency, the work of Sambo Ly, Manager of Interpreter Services at Alameda Health System (AHS), has been instrumental in ensuring no patient is left behind due to a language barrier.
Ly, who has been humbled by her nomination and selection as a winner of KPIX's Icon Award, has dedicated her career to helping fellow refugees, immigrants, and underserved communities. Her personal story of survival during the Khmer Rouge genocide and subsequent dedication to service has inspired countless individuals.
Before winning the Icon Award, Ly led the interpreter services department at AHS, a team that handles approximately 2,000 interpreter requests every day, in 100 different languages. The department recently introduced iPads that allow patients to have clearer conversations with their providers.
Ly's compassionate leadership ensures that AHS' mission, which places language access as a cornerstone, is effectively carried out. She recognizes the importance of her coworkers in the interpreter services department for their compassionate language assistance to patients.
AHS' department of interpreter services provides in-house interpretation in 10 languages, either in person or remotely, and offers access to on-demand, remote interpreters of up to 300 languages.
Ly's contributions to the community extend beyond healthcare. She is the Board Chair of Peralta Hacienda Park and has organised the annual Cambodian New Year for 15 years, the largest Cambodian event in the Bay Area. She also drives Buddhist elders and monks to temples across California and organises weekly dance classes at her home for girls to learn traditional Cambodian dance.
The Icon Award recognises individuals who have made a significant and impactful contribution to their community. Ly's decades of service to refugees and community members in Alameda County undoubtedly meet this criteria.
For media inquiries, please contact Eleanor Ajala, Manager, Media and Communications at Alameda Health System, at (510) 421-9222 or [email protected]. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at this link.
Ly's story is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and dedication. Her journey from a refugee to a leader in healthcare and community service serves as an inspiration to all.
