Raising Health Literacy Awareness

In meetings, conversations, and emails with many of you – it is evident that we share an interest in health literacy and a passion for clear health communication. Indeed, we are health literacy advocates.

But alas, not everyone is. I share your frustration with people who are the opposite of advocates. This includes colleagues, senior leaders, funders, and others who don’t “get” health literacy and cannot comprehend why it is a problem worth fixing.

This month’s Health Literacy Consulting Tip looks how to raise health literacy awareness, even among naysayers who don’t “get” it.

Remind others what it is like to not understand. You might ask naysayers about times they felt frustrated or confused learning new technology or traveling to places where no one spoke their language. Or situations in which they or loved ones were sick and befuddled by confusing health information. People are more likely to appreciate why health literacy matters when they recall what it feels like to not understand.
Highlight the cost of misunderstanding. Perhaps you can encourage naysayers to allocate needed resources (money, time, staff) when you make clear the high cost of misunderstanding. These include expenses associated with preventable medical errors, avoidable hospitalizations, decreased patient satisfaction, and increased staff frustration when answering the same questions over and over again.
Create an advisory council. Those who use your services are the true experts on whether information is clear, understandable, and relevant. Create an advisory council that includes people representing your organization's audience in terms of education, language, and subject-matter interest. Encourage naysayers to meet with council members and hear directly why health literacy matters.

The Health Literacy Success Kit includes resources and services to advance your health literacy program. To learn more, contact Helen Osborne at helen@healthliteracy.com or call 508-653-1199.

For permission to include Health Literacy Consulting Tips in your organization's newsletter, please contact Helen Osborne by e-mail at: helen@healthliteracy.com, or by phone at: 508-653-1199.