October is Health Literacy Month, a time dedicated to promoting the importance of accessible health information that people can understand and use to make informed health decisions. For pharmacies, this month presents an opportunity to shine a spotlight on health literacy and engage with their communities through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns. But what exactly is Health Literacy Month, and how did it start? Let’s explore its history and discuss ways pharmacies can participate.
The Origins of Health Literacy Month
Health Literacy Month was founded in 1999 by Helen Osborne, a pioneer in the field of health communication. Her mission was to bring attention to the importance of clear and understandable health information, which can often be obscured by complex medical jargon and technical details. Over the years, the initiative has gained momentum, becoming an internationally recognized event that encourages organizations and communities to prioritize health literacy.
Participating in Health Literacy Month
While improving health literacy is a year-round effort, Health Literacy Month provides a focused opportunity for pharmacies to engage their communities with targeted initiatives. Here are some ways pharmacies can participate.
1. Host a health literacy awareness event
Organize workshops, seminars, or informational booths in the pharmacy to teach patients about interpreting prescription labels, understanding over-the-counter medication instructions, or managing chronic conditions. Invite pharmacists to speak about commonly misunderstood topics, such as dosage measurements or potential drug interactions.
Consider partnering with local schools or community centers to host off-site events, reaching more people and educating them on the importance of understanding health information.
2. Use easy-to-understand educational materials
Offer handouts, infographics, and educational videos to supplement verbal communication. Ensure materials are easy to understand, and address common health concerns like managing chronic conditions or taking medications correctly.
Make these materials available at the pharmacy counter, on the website, or through the pharmacy’s mobile app, ensuring they’re accessible to all patients.
3. Provide multilingual resources
Ensure that educational materials and pharmacy signage are available in multiple languages spoken by your community, helping non-native English speakers access important health information.
4. Leverage social media toolkits and digital resources
Throughout October, share informative posts, videos, or infographics on social media that focus on health literacy topics. For example, create posts that explain how to read a medication label or what questions to ask a pharmacist. The IHA toolkit is a great resource for images, videos, and copy that you can use on your social media post without taking time to curate your own posts. Be sure to use hashtags like #HealthLiteracyMonth and #HealthLiteracyAwareness to amplify the reach of your content.
5. Collaborate with local organizations
Strengthen health literacy initiatives by working with local healthcare providers, community organizations, or patient advocacy groups. Work with local healthcare providers, senior centers, or community organizations to co-host events or distribute health literacy resources. Sponsorship or collaboration with health-focused non-profits during the month can also extend your reach and impact.
6. Check-in with patients
Follow-ups reinforce understanding and offer an opportunity to address new questions. Schedule medication review sessions to discuss the purpose, dosage, and potential side effects of prescriptions. This ongoing support can improve adherence and help patients feel more confident managing their health.
You can also use Health Literacy Month as an opportunity to offer free or discounted medication reviews. Pharmacists can sit down with patients to review their prescriptions, discuss potential side effects, and ensure they understand how to take their medications correctly.
7. Encourage questions from patients
Empower patients to ask questions about their health or medications without feeling embarrassed. Display signs that say “Questions welcome” around the pharmacy to encourage patients to seek clarification on any health-related topics.
Train staff to proactively offer explanations or provide written materials for common questions. This approach not only improves patient care but also aligns perfectly with the spirit of Health Literacy Month.
Embrace your role as a health advocate
Health Literacy Month serves as a powerful reminder of the need to make health information accessible and understandable. Pharmacies, with their strong presence in communities, can play a vital role in advancing health literacy efforts. By hosting events, sharing resources, and encouraging patient engagement, pharmacies can help to bridge the gap between health information and patient understanding.
Health literacy is not just important during October; it’s a priority that should be emphasized all year long. By incorporating health literacy practices into your ongoing patient care strategies, you can help build a healthier, more empowered community.
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