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SOPHE
Unveils Resource Guide for Improving Health
Literacy
Washington, DC - To address the challenges associated
with low health literacy, the Society for Public Health
Education (SOPHE) has developed a comprehensive resource
guide, Improving Health Literacy:
Tips, Tools & Resources for Health Educators. The
20-page guide is designed specifically to aid health
educators and health providers in understanding the
problem of low health literacy and implementing
effective strategies to address it.
According the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL)
released in 2006 by the U.S. Department of Education,
only 12 percent of consumers have proficient health
literacy skills1- suggesting that nearly nine out of ten
adults may lack many of the skills
necessary to sufficiently manage their health. Low
health literacy can affect people's ability to locate
health care providers and services, complete health
forms, share personal health information with providers
and manage chronic diseases and engage in self-care.
"Health educators are uniquely position to help bridge
the gap between the information disseminated by the
health care system and the knowledge and skills of the
consumers who use it," explains M. Elaine Auld, MPH,
CHES, Chief Executive Officer of SOPHE. "This guide
underscores the need for a comprehensive set of
strategies for
improving health literacy-including plain language
techniques, culturally and linguistically appropriate
communications, field-tested materials, as well as
advocacy efforts to make health literacy a priority
across organizations." The resources listed in the guide
are divided into three sections:
Resources for developing easy-to-understand health
education materials; Curricula and tools for community
health educators; and
Tools for advocating for health literacy improvement.
Two hand-outs are also included for creating plain
language health education materials and implementing
advocacy and outreach efforts to improve health
literacy. These can be copied and shared with colleagues
and community partners.
To order a copy of Improving Health Literacy: Tips,
Tools & Resources for Health Educators, please visit
http://www.sophe.org/store.asp Price: $16
National SOPHE
members, $20 non-SOPHE members, plus shipping.
Founded in 1950, the Society for Public Health
Education's mission is to provide leadership to the
profession of public health education and to contribute
to the health of all people and the elimination of
disparities through advances in health education theory
and research, excellence in professional preparation and
practice, and advocacy
for public policies conducive to health. For more
information, see
www.sophe.org
Posted: 2/1/09 |
