Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership Blog ~ Provider Education
Investing in language and cultural resources
Posted by MHLPadmin on Apr 03, 2019
Culture affects many things, including how people approach health care. Minnesota is a diverse state, with more than 100 languages other than English spoken at home2; a variety of urban, suburban and rural cities; and a wide range of family incomes. This is why investing in language and cultural resources is a key priority of the Minnesota Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.
Increase and Improve Patient-Centered Resources
Posted by MHLPadmin on Mar 04, 2019
The health care system is complex, and the fragmentation of the industry can lead to confusion for patients as they communicate with agents, insurance companies, health care providers, clinics, employers, pharmacists, care coordinators, and others who are involved with their care.
Health literacy training is important for people of all ages
Posted by MHLPadmin on Feb 06, 2019
Learning how to maintain good health and understand the health care system can – and should – start early in life and continue throughout.
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.
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.
Let's talk about Plain Language
Posted by MHLPadmin on Oct 15, 2010
One best practice for improving health literacy is to use plain language. Plainlanguage.gov describes plain language as "communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it". Written material is in plain language if your audience can:
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.