Missouri Governor Jay Nixon proclaimed October 2009 to be Health Literacy Month and recognized Health Literacy Missouri for its commitment to “involving people, communities and organizations in ways that improve health literacy.” Health Literacy Missouri launched its video which can be found on You Tube at http://www.youtube.comwatch?v=yVzULPi3ydU.
Health Literacy Missouri, headed by Dr Arthur Culbert, interim director, is a resource center for the state of Missouri that defines health literacy as “getting and using easy-to-understand information about your health”. In 2006, the Missouri Foundation for Health launched the Health Literacy Enhancement program, now known as Health Literacy Missouri, to improve health literacy in Missouri. The Foundation convened interested individuals from around the state to work in addressing health literacy on a statewide level.
A key component of Health Literacy Missouri is the Health Literacy Resource Library which brings together reviewed health literacy materials in a centralized location, searchable through a web-based interface, and which creates a foundational base for health literacy activities nationwide. Materials in the library have been selected for their relevance and include links to literature, readability and assessment tools, websites, curriculum, games, and patient materials in plain language and multiple languages. Materials are cataloged with health literacy domains, intended use, target audience and resource format. Users will be able to access the resources with a simple search box, advanced search boxes, or a guided search option to make accessing materials easy. Many of the resources in the library will be further evaluated for ease of use, soundness of approach, design and layout for intended purpose, and evidence base.
The website will launch later this year.
The Library Expert Group leading this effort combines the specialized knowledge and skills of health science librarians from the J. Otto Lottes Health Science Library at the University of Missouri and the Missouri Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Digital Library.