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Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP)

Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP). Lori A. Quaranta, MPH National Institute for Literacy Health Literacy Summit March 26, 2008. Why Focus on Health Literacy?.

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Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP)

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  1. Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP) Lori A. Quaranta, MPH National Institute for Literacy Health Literacy Summit March 26, 2008

  2. Why Focus on Health Literacy? • A widespread problem: half of American adults – 90 million people – have difficulty understanding and acting upon health information • Poor health literacy estimated to cost the national healthcare system $58 billion. ($73 billion - $238 billion) • Patients who fail to read at the 3rd grade level cost Medicaid close to $11,000; patients who read above 3rd grade level cost just under $3,000 Source: 2004 Institute of Medicine report, Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion

  3. The Problem in Rhode Island • Half of Rhode Island adults fail to read at a 3rd grade level* • This is a problem because: • Patients are asked to perform more complex self care • Patients are seen as active consumers rather than passive recipients of healthcare *Source: 2002 Nellie Mae Education Foundation report

  4. The Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP) • Acknowledged the need to do something about health literacy in RI • Met with several medical, public health and educational agencies in RI • Established the RIHLP Steering Committee

  5. The Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP) • A statewide coalition of public health, adult education, and medical organizations

  6. The Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP) • Mission • Goals • Objectives • Project Selection Criteria • Project/Initiatives List • Minimum Monthly Meetings

  7. RIHLP Projects/Initiatives • Advance Directives Awareness and Education • Physician/Provider Cultural Competency Training • Physician Toolkit and Patient Education Materials • Basic Healthcare Curriculum • Health Literacy on the Road Educational Series • Medication Safety Brochure • Medication Tracking Pocket Card • Checkup Checklist • Outreach/RIHLP Web Site • Health Literacy Month in October • Guidelines for Written Materials • Grants and Funding

  8. Outreach/RIHLP Web Site (www.RIHLP.org) • Web Site - A place for people to go to obtain information on the purpose, history, goals, projects, and tools associated with the RIHLP and health literacy in general • Local TV and articles in local publication • Presentations and meetings

  9. Grants and Funding • Created sub-committee to find funding opportunities • Tapped into Steering Committee resources • Pharmaceutical Funding • Grants • Local Business Support

  10. Contact Information Lori Quaranta Rhode Island Health Literacy Project Telephone: (401) 459-5520 E-mail: Lori.Quaranta@BCBSRI.org

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