Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership Blog ~ MHLP Information
Meet our new intern
Posted by MHLPadmin on May 24, 2021
The Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership is excited to welcome a new intern on board this summer, Hannah Geressu. This is the Partnership’s fifth year having an intern through the University of Minnesota Community Health Initiative.
Hannah will work with Partnership Chair Alisha Odhiambo on creating resources to support the Health Literacy Month campaign in October.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Streamline processes to improve health literacy
Posted by MHLPadmin on Jan 14, 2019
Our health care system is large and fragmented, making it easy for patients to feel lost. Navigating through a variety of health care facilities, providers, rules, and requirements is not only difficult, but also daunting and confusing.
Celebrating 2018 and looking ahead
Posted by MHLPadmin on Dec 10, 2018
As we close out 2018, we’d like to thank you for making this year the best one yet. During the past year we’ve collaborated with many organizations on exciting new activities, giving us the opportunity to share health literacy best practices and resources in new and engaging ways.
The importance of relevant and accessible health information
Posted by MHLPadmin on Nov 08, 2018
When it comes to communication, it’s not just what you say but how you say it.
Health information can be technical and complex, and there can be an over-reliance on written communication. That’s why it’s important for patients and their caregivers to have access to usable information presented in a variety of ways so they can understand diagnoses, make treatment and prevention decisions, and evaluate health risks.
Health Literacy Month: Tools to help improve health literacy
Posted by MHLPadmin on Oct 16, 2018
Health Literacy Month: Tools to help improve health literacy
Each October, health professionals and organizations across the country celebrate Health Literacy Month. It’s a time to remember the importance of health literacy. And for the Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership, it’s also a great time to share ways you and other health professionals can improve health literacy within your organization and community.
Making health information understandable and jargon-free
Posted by MHLPadmin on Sep 21, 2018
Nearly 90% of Americans have difficulty using everyday health information that is routinely available. That makes it harder for patients to understand their options and make responsible, well-informed health decisions.
Happy Health Literacy Month!
Posted by MHLPadmin on Oct 07, 2010
Health literacy is defined 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” (Healthy People 2010).
We know that health literacy involves more than just patients. I like to think of health literacy as being influenced by three areas:
1. The patient's ability to obtain, understand and act on health information.
Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative
Posted by MHLPadmin on Sep 30, 2010
The African & American Friendship Association for Cooperation 
and Development, Inc., in partnership with Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment, Inc. and International Institute of Minnesota, Inc., has been awarded a grant of $200,000 for one year from the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health to implement a project under the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative.
Hi Katie!
Posted by MHLPadmin on Sep 22, 2010
I am so pleased that MHLP is continuing our partnership with the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Katie Swanson is our new VISTA volunteer.
Katie is a Wisconsin native, but has a special love for Minnesota since she graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield. She most recently resided in Lakeside, Montana where she was an on-site program coordinator for Flathead Lutheran Camp.
Health Literacy for Seniors: Sharing our Success!
Posted by MHLPadmin on Sep 16, 2010
The Health Literacy Program for Minnesota Seniors (HeLP MN Seniors) hosted a wonderful celebration yesterday at Boutwells Landing Senior Living in Oak Park Heights, MN. Attendees at the event represented public health, health care, health literacy, medical library, and health education leaders, as well as participants from the pilot workshops. The HeLP MN Seniors team provided an overview of the program and also some demonstrations of workshop highlights.