Health Literacy Awards – Existing Projects
Existing health literacy projects are projects or programs already in existence or previously funded
that need sustaining funds to continue or expand. Applicants are asked to address sustainability in the application.
The NN/LM Middle Atlantic Region (MAR), as part of its outreach and library improvement programs and its Strategic Program Plan for Network Members, is accepting applications from MAR full and affiliate network members to develop health literacy projects and in particular working with target groups of seniors, Hispanic populations, faith-based organizations, low/income/literacy populations; and partner priorities of unaffiliated health professionals, senior centers, nonprofit organizations, schools, and public health departments; and addressing health disparities such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, STDs/HIV/AIDS, infant mortality, asthma and the uninsured.
Unaffiliated health professionals include nursing/long term care professionals, private practice physicians, nurse practitioners, public health departments, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (health clinics for the underserved).
Background
In the report Healthy People 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services included improved consumer health literacy as Objective 11-2, and identified health literacy as an important component of health communication, medical product safety, and oral health. Health literacy is defined in Health People 2010 as: "The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions".
Health literacy includes the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor's directions and consent forms, and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems. Health literacy is not simply the ability to read. It requires a complex group of reading, listening, analytical, and decision-making skills, and the ability to apply these skills to health situations.
Health literacy affects
- Ability to read and understand informed consent documents
- Improper use of metered dose inhalants with persons with asthma
- Ability to make lifestyle changes for persons with diabetes and hypertension
For additional see Research Findings on Impact of Health Literacy
Two awards at $20,000 each are available.
Examples of current health literacy projects are:
- Expanding existing health literacy partnerships to include new members, revitalize existing members and strengthen the partnerships role in health literacy with its target population
- Take existing health literacy materials and move them into a new and more accessible format (print to online, for example), sharing the materials in their newly accessible format with a population that can make use of them
- Expand the scope and depth of a health literacy web site, promoting the adoption of the site to other libraries, community-based organizations and non-profits
For additional information see Health Literacy
Other projects or ideas not listed above are welcome. Award applications are for projects that are expansions of existing programs, or need to address sustainability of previous projects.
Projects that are NEW to the organization submitting the award application should apply for Health Literacy Awards – New Projects.
Eligibility
- Full or affiliate MAR members in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
- Partnerships between MAR members and community, health, senior and diversity organization are strongly encouraged.
Application Process
Applicants should fill out the online application form.
Evaluation Criteria
HEALTH LITERACY PROJECT – CURRENT PROJECTS
Creativity and imagination in addressing health literacy issues as described in the award announcement, and ability to address goals and objectives within the context of the NN/LM MAR Strategic Program Plan for Network Members, ability to address issues of sustainability, project expansion, and project impact. An evaluation process for the project should be included.
35 points
PROJECT PROCESS AND BUDGET
Ability of applicant(s) to meet objectives, appropriately plan and spend money, feasibility of project process resulting in a successful outreach project and sustainability of project post the award.
35 points
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS OF STAFF
Experience and qualifications of key personnel, including names of potential partners. Letters of support from potential partners should be included.
30 points
Total Possible Points: 100
Applications will be reviewed by the Outreach Committee
Cost Proposal Instructions
Total allowable, reimbursable expenses must not exceed $20,000.
Allowable expenses include:
- Personnel
- Equipment rental or purchase
- Software
- Translation costs
- Travel including mileage, tolls, and hotel costs
- Publicity
- Space rental
- Electricity
- Telephone lines/data lines
- Audiovisual costs
- Printing/reproduction/duplication including paper and supplies
- Postage and handling
- Speaker fees and honoraria
Non-allowable expenses include:
- Indirect costs
- Food or beverages
- Furniture
Reporting Requirements
A final report, including a blog/newsletter article, must be submitted using the appropriate form within 30 days of completion of the project. Award recipients are encouraged to take photographs for inclusion in the report and article. Reports must be submitted to the MAR within three (3) months of completion of the project.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Public Access Policy Requirement
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy investigators must submit or have submitted for them their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts that arise from NIH funds and are accepted for publication as of April 7, 2008 to PubMed Central, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after publication. As of May 27, 2008, investigators must include the PubMed Central reference number when citing an article in NIH applications, proposals, and progress reports that fall under the policy, and was authored or co-authored by the investigator or arose from the investigator’s NIH award. For more information, see the Public Access web page.
Website Compliance
If a website is developed under this award, the website must adhere to Section 508 compliance. Resources for this compliance include the National Library of Medicine Web Applications/Site Development Guidelines and Summary of Section 508 Standards.
Applications/Requests for Personal Appeal Type Items
“Personal Appeal Items” are items used for official duties that could be construed to be used for personal purposes. Examples include items such as cameras, MP3 Players, Smartphones, and laptop computers.
Applications requesting these items must demonstrate items will be used for official purposes only, and acknowledge appropriate use of items when acquired with Federal Government funds. The Contractor or Subcontractor work policy should evidence appropriate use of equipment in performance of a Government Contract or Subcontract.
Deadline for submission of applications: September 2, 2008. Award recipients will be notified by December 1, 2008.
Period of performance is twenty-four months from award date.
If you have questions or require assistance contact Kathel Dunn, Associate Director, at 1-800-338-7657, 212-263-4197, or rml@library.med.nyu.edu . Awards will be announced on the MAR discussion list, MARL as well as the MAR newsletter, the MARquee.
