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Lead Health Literacy Initiative

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    "Low health literacy is a threat to the health and wellbeing of Americans. And low health literacy crosses all sectors of our society. All ages, races, incomes, and education levels are challenged by low health literacy." 
                                           
    -Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH
    Acting United States Surgeon General
    December 2006

    What is Health Literacy?

            Health Literacy is the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.  Approximately one-half of the adult population may lack the needed literacy skills to use the U.S. healthcare system. Low literacy has been linked to poor health outcomes such as higher rates of hospitalization and less frequent use of preventive services.

    Reference: Institute of Medicine. 2004. Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
     

    What is the Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch doing to address Health Literacy?

            The Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (LPPB) is concerned about health literacy. LPPB is developing a strategy to address these concerns directly, as well as providing assistance to our childhood lead poisoning prevention partners. As we discover resources and develop materials, we will share them here. 

     

  • Links:
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services--Health Literacy Improvement website (HHS)
    Provides further links to Health Literacy tools, government resources, and reports & research
  • Harvard School of Public Health--Health Literacy Studies website (external link)
    Provides an overview of Health Literacy, as well as Health Literacy: literature, research & policy, innovative materials, assessment tools, curricula, further links and contact information
  • Institute of Medicine--Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion (external link)
    Provides access to a report from the Institute of Medicine about Health Literacy in America
  • Tools:
  • Simply Put: Tips for creating easy-to-read print materials your audience will want to read and use (CDC)
  • Quick Guide to Health Literacy: Fact Sheets, Strategies, Resources (HHS)

Last updated: 4/22/2008