About Health Literacy

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation recognized the serious need for a local health literacy initiative in the Paso del Norte region and identified SoAHEC to participate. Health Literacy is defined as "[T]he degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." (Healthy People 2010) It is estimated that low health literacy in the United States costs from $106 billion to $236 billion annually, according to a new report from the University of Connecticut. Low health literacy can affect anyone regardless of any age, ethnicity, background or education level. Examples of poor health literacy include ones ability to understand and follow prescription medication directions, health care providers diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and the ability to read, interpret, and implement wellness information.

The Health Literacy Project at SoAHEC is working to improve health literacy through the implementation of a healthy lifestyles workshop. The Healthy Lifestyles workshop emphasizes the role of a healthy diet, exercise and stress reduction as a means to better live with or to prevent a chronic disease. If you would like to schedule a workshop, please contact Marnie Nixon or Heather Frankland.

Contacts

Program Coordinator: Marnie Nixon
Office Phone: 505-646-3441, ext. 23
e-Mail: mnixon@nmsu.edu

Program Assistant: Heather Frankland
Office Phone: 505-646-3441, ext. 14
e-Mail: hdawn@nmsu.edu