November 14, 2008 Contact: Laura Drouillard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (202) 408-9804 LDrouillard@sophe.org

SOPHE Unveils Resource Guide for Improving Health Literacy

Washington, DC - To address the challenges associated with low health literacy, the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) has developed a comprehensive resource guide, Improving Health Literacy: Tips, Tools & Resources for Health Educators. The 20-page guide is designed specifically to aid health educators and health providers in understanding the problem of low health literacy and implementing effective strategies to address it.
According the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) released in 2006 by the U.S. Department of Education, only 12 percent of consumers have proficient health literacy skills1— suggesting that nearly nine out of ten adults may lack many of the skills necessary to sufficiently manage their health. Low health literacy can affect people's ability to locate health care providers and services, complete health forms, share personal health information with providers and manage chronic diseases and engage in self-care.

"Health educators are uniquely position to help bridge the gap between the information disseminated by the health care system and the knowledge and skills of the consumers who use it," explains M. Elaine Auld, MPH, CHES, Chief Executive Officer of SOPHE. "This guide underscores the need for a comprehensive set of strategies for improving health literacy—including plain language techniques, culturally and linguistically appropriate communications, field-tested materials, as well as advocacy efforts to make health literacy a priority across organizations."

The resources listed in the guide are divided into three sections: Resources for developing easy-to-understand health education materials; Curricula and tools for community health educators; and Tools for advocating for health literacy improvement. Two hand-outs are also included for creating plain language health education materials and implementing advocacy and outreach efforts to improve health literacy. These can be copied and shared with colleagues and community partners.

To order a copy of Improving Health Literacy: Tips, Tools & Resources for Health Educators, please visit http://www.sophe.org/store.asp. Price: $16 National SOPHE members, $20 non-SOPHE members, plus shipping.
1 National Center for Education Statistics. 2006. The Health Literacy of America's Adults: Results From the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education.

Founded in 1950, the Society for Public Health Education's mission is to provide leadership to the profession of public health education and to contribute to the health of all people and the elimination of disparities through advances in health education theory and research, excellence in professional preparation and practice, and advocacy for public policies conducive to health. For more information, see www.sophe.org. 

----------------------