It is estimated that only 12% of the U.S. adult population is considered fully “health literate.” This means that almost 9 out of 10 adults are at or below basic levels of health literacy. They have a hard time understanding and using basic health information to make informed decisions about their personal health. Unfortunately, those who experience poor health literacy are also more likely to experience poor health outcomes. Health literacy is a primary goal within Healthy People 2030, with the ultimate intention of eliminating health disparities and reaching health equity for all Americans. Further, the ever-changing public health landscape in our country requires health literate individuals, and we must address this issue in our communities.

To fill this educational gap in basic health literacy, the Carlisle County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences hosted the one-time program Leading Your Team: Health Literacy for the Win to KEHA Lesson Leaders at four learning hub locations across the Purchase Area. Extension developed this program to increase health literacy across Kentucky communities and empower community members to step up and lead their health-care team in reaching their overall health goals. Forty-three KEHA lesson leaders participated in the workshop, establishing the educational network to provide the lesson to multiple communities throughout the eight counties in the Purchase Area Region.

Of those who participated and were surveyed, 85% indicated they could better define “health literacy” and recognized strategies for making well-informed health decisions.  90% stated they increased their level of understanding regarding the importance of communicating with their health-care team. Further, 98% expressed the intention to write down information about medications before appointments, while 100% expressed the intention to prepare questions for their health-care team before appointments. Many participants recognized the “Question List” as the most significant take away from the program, noting the importance of asking questions and updating personal medical information.