This month, we celebrate National Health Literacy.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Health literacy includes obtaining, processing, and understanding health information to make appropriate health decisions. Older adults, minority populations, and the medically underserved, such as those who have a low socioeconomic status, have lower health literacy.
There are many consequences of low health literacy. Psychological suffering and economic costs to society, as well as to the healthcare system, are overarching consequences. As a psychotherapist, I see clients who carry shame and stigma around the barriers that are created to optimal health and behavioral health care options. Additionally, this can often cause reduced knowledge and understanding of clients’ medical and mental health conditions and treatment options. This leads to increased rates of hospitalizations and poor overall health.
Health literacy is important because it allows people to gain appropriate medical and behavioral health care. This National Health Literacy Month, here are three ways you can celebrate health literacy and create awareness:
1. Share Information About Health Literacy
When celebrating health literacy this month, it is important to share the talking points on Health Literacy (taken from the Centers for Disease Control - CDC).
- Nine out of 10 adults struggle to understand unfamiliar health information
- The healthcare system spends unnecessary money due to higher morbidity and mortality rates. By practicing clear communication, health literacy can be improved
- Clear communication includes using familiar concepts, words, numbers, and images presented in ways that make sense to the people who need health literacy information.
- Testing health literacy information and asking for feedback helps aid in communicating clearly.
2. Find Training and Collaborative Partners
Find training in health literacy. The CDC website offers literacy courses. Additionally, finding Health care providers, local libraries, schools, and community organizations are all possible partners to create awareness.
3. State Health Literacy Initiatives
Check to see if your state is on the CDC list of State Health Literacy Initiatives. If your state is not listed, find a partner organization and start an initiative to begin promoting health literacy.
Lastly, If you are someone who believes you have low health literacy, don’t be afraid to turn to your local behavioral health agencies for more information and resources.
For mental health support services, we are here to help. Contact us today.
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Sources:
- https://www.hrsa.gov/about/organization/bureaus/ohe/health-literacy
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/shareinteract/TellOthers.html
- https://casatondemand.org/2020/09/30/5562/
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/gettraining.html
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