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Evaluating the Health Education Literacy Program (HELP)

Lauren Schwartz, MPH1, Robert S Hoffman, MD1, Maria Mercurio-Zappala, MS, RPh1, and Seena Sweet2. (1) NYC Poison Control Center, 455 First Avenue, Room 123, New York, NY 10016, 212-447-2599, laurenmschwartz@hotmail.com, (2) Adult Learner Program, Queens Borough Public Library, 91-14 Merrick Blvd, 6th Floor, Jamaica, NY 11432

The Health Education Literacy Program (HELP), a collaboration of the NYC Poison Control Center (NYC PCC) and Literacy Partners, Inc (LP) was developed in 2001 from a Pfizer Foundation health literacy grant. HELP provides a medicine safety program to adult learners using brochures, activities, and audio-content. HELP was designed to provide real-life skills and scenarios that address complex issues about understanding medications. Although HELP was designed to be used in adult education classes, health educators have also shown interest in the program. The NYC PCC has disseminated 170 copies of the HELP curricula to literacy staff, volunteers, and health professionals across the country; 42% (72) were distributed in NYC. To ensure that HELP is meeting the goals and objectives of the program, quantitative and qualitative evaluation is being conducted. Findings from quantitative evaluation through a survey completed by providers in both the health and literacy setting will be presented. This includes feedback from providers about using the HELP materials. Qualitative evaluation conducted through observational analysis of HELP used with students in literacy programs will also be highlighted. Recommendations for dissemination and evaluation of health literacy programs based on the findings will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Health Literacy, Community Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Innovative and Collaborative Health Literacy Initiatives in New York City

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA