Health Literacy Committee (HLC)

Vision Statement: People understand health.

Mission Statement:  To help people find, understand and use health information and services to make informed decisions.

Co-Facilitators: Ann Wondergem, annw@sauw.org and Mary Paluchniak, mpaluchniak@sns.hshs.org

Committee Members: Nancy Ahrens, Jean Beinemann, JoAnn Dent, Nichol Fidlin, Christine Larson, Sandy Muesegades, Laura Roenitz, Sherri Samuels-Fuerst, Annette Selk, Tanya Smith, Dee Thieme, Milda Zuengler, Tracy Rothwell

Meeting Date and Time:  Meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. on the 1st Wednesday of the month at Sheboygan County Health & Human Services, Room 218, 1011 North 8th Street, Sheboygan.

Brief History/Overview:  The Health Literacy Committee started in September 2011 as a result of being identified as a priority issue at the "Community Call to Action" event held in June 2011.  Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. (Source Healthy People 2010)

Why Does Health Literacy Matter?

Every day, people confront situations that involve life-changing decisions about their health.  These decisions are made in places such as grocery and drug stores, workplaces, playgrounds, doctors' offices, clinics and hospitals, and around the kitchen table.  Obtaining, communicating, processing, and understanding health information and services are essential steps in making appropriate health decisions; however, research indicates that today's health information is presented in ways that are not usable by most adults.  "Limited health literacy" occurs when people can't find and use the health information and services they need.

• Nearly 9 out of 10 adults have difficulty using the everyday health information that is routinely available in our healthcare facilities, retail outlets, media and communities.
• Without clear information and an understanding of the information's importance, people are more likely to skip necessary medical tests, end up in the emergency room more often, and have a harder time managing chronic disease like diabetes or high blood pressure. (Source CDC Website)

Committee Goals:  To increase awareness of the significance of health literacy on health outcomes, conduct a systems assessment, and advocate for changes in Sheboygan.

Ongoing Work:  The Committee is in the process of assessing how health practices in our community are addressing health literacy to positively impact patient understanding and satisfaction.  In addition to surveying health care providers, the Committee will be surveying community members for their input later this year.  Based on the results of both of these surveys action plans will be developed.

Contact information:  If you are interested in more information or joining our committee, please contact Mary Paluchniak at (920) 451-7282 or email her at mpaluchniak@sns.hshs.org

 

 

Wisconsin Literacy:

http://www.wisconsinliteracy.org/

Wisconsin Health Literacy:

http://www.healthliteracywisconsin.org/

Quick Guide to Health Literacy:

http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/quickguide/factsbasic.htm

National Prevention Strategy Empowered People Health Literacy:

http://www.healthcare.gov/prevention/nphpphc/strategy/empowered-people.pdf

Take Charge of Your Health Care:

http://www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopic.aspx?topicID=78&cnt=1&areaID=0

Simply Put:  A guide for creating easy-to-understand materials

http://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/pdf/Simply_Put.pdf

We can be a healthier Sheboygan County

http://www.sheboyganpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201204040402/SHE04/204040362