Encountering a language barrier during a medical emergency can be a daunting ordeal. A new company aims to address that in St. Joseph.

Alfredo Pereira provides language interpretation for Spanish-speakers in a medical setting. Originally from Uruguay, Mr. Pereira did interpretation in Hawaii for five years.

In 1999, he came to St. Joseph to help a friend fix tanning beds. Since then, he’s watched as the number of Spanish speakers in town has grown, especially since the opening of Triumph Foods in 2006.

“It’s growing pretty good in this town. I’ve seen some need going up,” Mr. Pereira said.

He runs the LG Interpreter Service, alongside a small computer consulting company that he also manages. He’s attempting to get listed as an interpreter with Heartland Health.

The company can be reached at 244-1999.