What is Health Literacy?

Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment.

Why be concerned about Health Literacy?

Health literacy affects peoples' health.  In Missouri, it is estimated that less than 50% of our population is "health literate".  People don't understand how to take medicines properly, how to manage chronic health conditions, how to read health-related information or even understand what the doctor says during a visit.  It is estimated that low health literacy costs the Missouri state economy $2-5 billion annually.

 

Community Advisory Network

NEMO AHEC emphasizes Health Literacy (HL) by hosting the NEMO Regional Health Literacy Community Advisory Network.  This committee, representing eight counties, is comprised of consumers, educators, health care providers, and media personnel.

 

The purposes of the committee are to

-          identify HL needs in communities

-          identify partners to address HL

-          serve as a focus group for materials

-          provide guidance and feedback on strategic planning for HLM

-          serve as Health Literacy Ambassadors to educate others

   

Health Literacy Missouri (HLM)

The Health Literacy Missouri (HLM) was established in 2006 by the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) with a vision to become a national leader in health literacy to improve the health of all Missourians.  Three Health Literacy Resources Centers have been established at the Center for Health Policy at the University of Missouri-Columbia, the St. Louis Collaborative at Washington University and the Southwest Missouri Area Health Education Center at Missouri State University.

 

HLM goals include:

-          provide access to plain language health care information

-          create systematic change at point of medical care

-          offer educational resources that help providers communicate effectively with patients

-          improve HL through education and community efforts

-          strength the evidence base for HL

 

HLM guiding principles:

-          engage community partners

-          put consumers first

-          innovate strategically

 

The NEMO AHEC office is connected to the HLM through the SWMO AHEC office and will participate in the HLM outreach to communities in our area.

   

Need to borrow some resources for or about Health Literacy?

Contact the NEMO AHEC office to check out books, CDs, manuals or toolkits to help you understand the importance of Health Literacy and learn practical ways to communicate your health message.  Contact Becky Dawson bdawson@nemoahec.org or 660.385.6491