Volunteers of America’s Post

🎉 October is Health Literacy Month! 🩺 Why is Health Literacy Important? According to the CDC: Taking care of our health is part of everyday life, not just when we visit a doctor, clinic, or hospital. 🏥 Health literacy can help us prevent health problems, protect our health, and better manage health problems when they arise. 💡 Independent patient / health care advocates assist clients as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, 🧭 amplifying the client's voice 🎙️ and achieving better outcomes! 🏆 Research has shown that health literacy can: 🛡️ Increase the use of preventive health care 🚑 Lower unneeded emergency room visits 🏨 Lower preventable stays in the hospital and readmissions 💊 Lower dosing errors 📊 Help patients better manage their chronic conditions 📈 Improve health outcomes 😊 Increase patient satisfaction 📚 Find Useful Resources: Healthy People 2030: https://lnkd.in/d7WGGr2 CDC Health Literacy: https://lnkd.in/gNQhDdrc IHA's Health Literacy Month https://lnkd.in/drGMwFu Navigating Solo Network: https://lnkd.in/e-2RKFVd Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: https://lnkd.in/eJjcugb3 #healthliteracy #PatientAdvocacy #patientadvocate #healthcareadvocate #HealthcareAdvocacy #SoloAging #navigatingsolo #patientsupport #patientguidance

17-18% of the our population are seniors with 50% living with 4 or more chronic conditions and represent 71 % of hospital admissions. Therefore, one of our key objectives was to develop and implement a senior-friendly strategy. Recognizing this priority, the planning and design of the innovative 2018-2021 Senior’s Care Strategic Plan engaged over 50 internal and external stakeholders, which informed the development of the four strategic directions: to enhance clinical care processes and services for older adults, enhance transitions across the care continuum to introduce best practice communication, grow and strengthen partnerships with community providers, and excel staff and physician competency in providing care for older adults. This initiative was published in Health Standards Organization’s Leading Practices Library as it makes seniors care a priority, with quantitative data linking corporate priorities such as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, bed flow, transitions, Ontario Health Teams, and population health. #HealthStandardAward Read more: https://lnkd.in/gCiAiPtY

In my line of work, the connections between voter registration, civic engagement, and health outcomes are more than academic—they're palpable. I've observed firsthand how communities with lower voter participation often face greater challenges in accessing quality healthcare. It's an interesting space, ripe for researchers and academics, but it doesn't take a researcher to see what's evident through practice. We have compelling evidence linking the vitality of a community's health directly to its civic health. When communities are disengaged from the political process, not only is their access to healthcare impacted, but overall health outcomes suffer as well. This observation isn't just theoretical. It's a call to action—a reminder that civic engagement and healthcare are deeply intertwined. By stepping up to vote and participating in our democracy, we're not just making our voices heard; we're actively contributing to the health and well-being of our communities. As a healthcare provider, I see empowering patients to engage civically as part of holistic care. It's not just about treating individuals; it's about healing communities. #healthcare #public #health #hospitals

Every day, we encounter patients who leave our office not fully understanding their diagnosis or treatment plan. It’s a reality we know all too well—around 36% of adults in the U.S. have low health literacy. These aren’t just statistics; these are real people sitting in front of us, nodding along but still unsure about what’s next. I get it—we’re all juggling a million things at once. But here’s the thing: if our patients don’t truly understand what we’re telling them, their outcomes are at risk. And that’s frustrating, for them and for us. This is where we come in. Clear, effective communication is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We have the power to make that difference. So, how do we rise to the challenge? Are we ready to shift our approach and make patient communication more impactful? Let’s take this on, one patient at a time. Send me a message! #PatientCare #drarianademers #physicians

In emergency medicine, we often focus on immediate health outcomes, but my experience has shown me the profound impact of civic engagement on community health. Voter registration and participation are crucial not just for democracy but also for public health. Research across medicine and public health has revealed strong links between civic engagement and access to healthcare. Communities with higher voter turnout generally enjoy better healthcare services and outcomes. This connection is logical: active citizens are more likely to advocate for and utilize essential health services. Conversely, in areas with low voter participation, there tends to be less access to healthcare and poorer health outcomes. These communities often feel disconnected from the political process, and this disenfranchisement can extend into lower engagement with health services. The implications for healthcare providers are clear: our duties extend beyond clinical care to include fostering civic engagement. Encouraging voter participation can enhance public health by empowering communities to advocate for better healthcare services and that's why the work of Vot-ER is so very important both in the lead up to the 2024 election and beyond. As we deepen our understanding of the interplay between health and democracy, it becomes crucial for healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policymakers to collaborate in promoting civic engagement and health equity. By empowering individuals to participate in their communities and the political process, we can improve not only their health outcomes but also the overall health of our democracy. #civichealth #hospitals #healthcare

🔍 October is Health Literacy Month: Why It Matters More Than Ever At Centered Care Wellness we believe that health literacy is key to improving health outcomes, especially for those managing chronic conditions. We work closely with our patients to ensure they not only receive quality care but also fully understand their diagnoses, treatment plans, and medications. 💡 Why is Health Literacy Important? When patients understand their health information, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, avoid hospitalizations, and achieve better health outcomes. At Centered Care Wellness we offer: ✅Clear communication during telehealth consultations ✅Personalized educational resources ✅Medication Management Coaching (MMC) to improve adherence ✅Digital tools to support patients between visits As a mission-driven nonprofit, we're dedicated to improving access to healthcare for California’s vulnerable and underserved populations. 🩺 Better outcomes. Better care. A healthier you. 🌟 Contact Brenda Richardson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CEO of Centered Care Wellness for more information on how we can help! #HealthLiteracy #Telehealth #PatientEmpowerment #ChronicCare #HealthcareInnovation

When addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, cultural competence among healthcare providers must be factored into the equation. Providers who lack cultural competence may need help understanding and meeting the unique healthcare needs of underrepresented groups and women, leading to disparities in patient-provider communication, trust, and satisfaction. According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, culturally competent care is associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities among diverse patient populations. In 1980, black physicians accounted for 3.1 percent of practicing physicians. Today, the Association of American Medical Colleges reports that black physicians account for 5.7 percent of practicing physicians. Increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce is critical for addressing provider disparities and improving healthcare access for underrepresented groups and women. Efforts to recruit and retain healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic groups, women, and individuals from underserved communities, can help mitigate provider shortages in areas with high healthcare needs. RiseHealth Compass supports the health and wellbeing of underrepresented groups at every stage of life through technology, advocacy, access, and assistance. Let’s RISE together! #provider #risehealthcompass #healthequity #phycisians #culturalcompetence

You Won't Believe These Stats: Bias in Healthcare #patientengagement Did you know unconscious bias can impact who gets the best treatment? A shocking 2016 study found implicit bias in healthcare providers is linked to unequal care for patients [source: New England Journal of Medicine]. This can have a devastating impact on chronically ill patients who rely heavily on the healthcare system. Here's a glimpse of the alarming reality: Black Women in Crisis: Black women are 4 times more likely to die after childbirth than white women [source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality]. Disability Discrimination: A concerning 20% of adults with disabilities reported discrimination in healthcare settings [source: JAMA Internal Medicine]. Socioeconomic Disparities: Low-income adults are 28% less likely to have a usual source of care [source: Kaiser Family Foundation]. Bias is a serious issue in healthcare. Let's work towards a system where everyone receives fair treatment, regardless of race, disability, or income. #healthcareforall #chronicillness #patientcare

How can a university program impact the entire state’s health care workforce? App State’s Aging Well initiative is not just about immediate care; it’s also about long-term impact. Many graduates from the program’s health sciences disciplines stay in North Carolina, helping to fill critical healthcare needs across the state. This initiative is growing the local health care workforce, ensuring sustained community support. We’re proud to support Aging Well’s expansion into the Catawba Valley. https://lnkd.in/euGWc__6

April is National Minority Health Month! Did you know that people with lower incomes, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with lower health literacy often face barriers to healthcare access and have worse outcomes? At RT MicroDx, we're on a mission to change that. Our affordable, accurate, at-home diagnostics are a crucial step towards a more equitable healthcare system. Because everyone should have access to information about their health, and the right treatment starts with the right diagnosis. Let's bridge the gap together! Check out these resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about how to make a difference in health equity and social determinants of health: https://lnkd.in/eawmqs-P #HealthEquity #AccessibleHealthcare #RTMicroDx #Diagnostics