More Than Words: Empowering You Through Health Literacy

Health literacy is defined as the ability to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services. The optimal result is that patients have the information and support to make appropriate health decisions. Our promise, as providers of care, is to share the responsibility with our patients – to ensure they are not only informed but fully equipped to take an active role in their health journey.

When I think about health literacy, I think of my late sister-in-law, Sharon, who had comprehensive health insurance through her employer but didn’t understand how her benefits really worked. As a result, she put off having some significant symptoms checked out by her physician. In the end, when she finally did consult her physician, she was diagnosed with late-stage cancer and died within two years. Her cancer was one that would have been very treatable if caught early with routine care. I can only imagine how different things would be for Sharon, my brother, and his family, had Sharon fully understood her insurance coverage.

Of course, there are other examples of health literacy, like nutrition. On one hand, there is so much information available via the web, and on the other hand, there is a massive amount of false and misleading information on just about every topic.

As a public hospital system, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to help our community navigate the health care landscape. Here is our shared challenge. In every interaction with patients and community members, we ask ourselves:

Am I helping this person increase their health literacy? Whether it's explaining the value of a treatment, hearing their questions, clarifying a nutrition label, pointing to a reliable resource or talking through a detailed billing statement, each of us plays a part in building our health-literate community.

The result? Not surprisingly, a patient who feels confident in their understanding is more likely to follow a treatment plan, avoid preventable complications and engage actively in their own care. With health literacy and encouragement from health care practitioners, people can take ownership – improving and sustaining good health.

Everyone at EvergreenHealth shares a commitment to increasing health literacy and empowering you, our community, to advance the health and well-being of every life we touch.