The Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership was formed in January, 2006, to help coordinate health literacy efforts across the state.
The mission of the Partnership is to improve the health of Minnesotans through clear communication. The Partnership's goals are:
- to train health care providers about health literacy
- to empower patients to ask for clear communication
- to share health literacy resources
Although our partnership is just getting started, already we have:
- shared information and resources in monthly networking meetings
- compiled a directory of health literacy resources in Minnesota
- established overall program goals of provider training, patient education and public awareness
- developed resources on a variety of health literacy topics (click here for resources)
- developed an organizational structure and membership criteria and found an organizational home
- secured initial funds to support early coordination and planning.
What's being done nationally?
National organizations such as the Institute of Medicine, Agency of Health Quality and Research and the American Medical Association Foundation have tackled the issue with reports and educational campaigns. The national Partnership for Clear Communication, supported by the Pfizer Foundation, has also developed a consumer campaign with material available free of charge for distribution by state or local organizations. Accrediting agencies and patient safety organizations are starting to address health literacy issues in proposed standards and best practices. Several national organizations are researching strategies to improve health literacy.
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