1. Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP)
Lori A. Quaranta, MPH
National Institute for Literacy
Health Literacy Summit
March 26, 2008

2. Why Focus on Health Literacy?
A widespread problem: half of American adults – 90 million people – have difficulty understanding and acting upon health information
Poor health literacy estimated to cost the national healthcare system $58 billion.
($73 billion - $238 billion)
Patients who fail to read at the 3rd grade level cost Medicaid close to $11,000; patients who read above 3rd grade level cost just under $3,000
Source: 2004 Institute of Medicine report, Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion

3. The Problem in Rhode Island
Half of Rhode Island adults fail to read at a 3rd grade level*
This is a problem because:
Patients are asked to perform more complex self care
Patients are seen as active consumers rather than passive recipients of healthcare
*Source: 2002 Nellie Mae Education Foundation report

4. The Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP)
Acknowledged the need to do something about health literacy in RI
Met with several medical, public health and educational agencies in RI
Established the RIHLP Steering Committee

5. The Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP)
A statewide coalition of public health, adult education, and medical organizations
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI
Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy
Central RI Area Health Education Center
Dept of Elderly Affairs, The POINT
Dorcas Place, Adult & Family Learning Center
Hospital Assoc. RI
RI State Nurses Association
Literacy Volunteers of RI
Memorial Hospital of RI
Quality Partners of RI
RDW Advertising Group
RI Medical Society
RI Department of Health
RI Depart of Human Services
RI Health Center Assoc.
South Providence Neighborhood Ministries

6. The Rhode Island Health Literacy Project (RIHLP)
Mission
Goals
Objectives
Project Selection Criteria
Project/Initiatives List
Minimum Monthly Meetings

7. RIHLP Projects/Initiatives
Advance Directives Awareness and Education
Physician/Provider Cultural Competency Training
Physician Toolkit and Patient Education Materials
Basic Healthcare Curriculum
Health Literacy on the Road Educational Series
Medication Safety Brochure
Medication Tracking Pocket Card
Checkup Checklist
Outreach/RIHLP Web Site
Health Literacy Month in October
Guidelines for Written Materials
Grants and Funding

8. Outreach/ RIHLP Web Site (www.RIHLP.org)
Web Site - A place for people to go to obtain information on the purpose, history, goals, projects, and tools associated with the RIHLP and health literacy in general
Local TV and articles in local publication
Presentations and meetings

9. Grants and Funding
Created sub-committee to find funding opportunities
Tapped into Steering Committee resources
Pharmaceutical Funding
Grants
Local Business Support

10. Contact Information
Lori Quaranta
Rhode Island Health Literacy Project
Telephone: (401)