Health district's new administrator brings bilingual support

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Judith Oswald's first day as administrator of the Fallbrook Regional Health District was Oct. 12. The next day she was introduced at the district's board meeting and participated in discussion about helping better reach the local Hispanic community.

Oswald said she moved to Fallbrook three years ago because of its hometown feel. She has 20 years of experience in the pharmacal industry in the fields of operations and procurement. That includes 10 years in management.

She said that as administrative officer, her role is to assume much of the day-to-day operations and free administrators to handle community services. She will also be available to handle calls from Spanish-speaking residents.

Oswald is also assisting Daniela Vargas in developing web page improvements that will include the option for Spanish-speaking residents. The district recently added the feature of Spanish translation of its board meetings and Oswald said she would monitor that and answer any questions about the meetings.

"I understand the Hispanic culture and can relate, so that should be a help to the district," she said.

Rachel Mason, CEO of the district, said Oswald's salary will not bring a cost increase to the district due to other vacated positions not being filled.