Health Literacy Initiatives and Lessons Learned within Public Health Agencies

Located in the northeastern part of the United States, New York State is extremely diverse - from the perspectives of culture, history, language, geography, economy, to name a few. Spreading across approximately 55,000 miles and taking into consideration the diversity of health needs across the state, the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) is dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers. This is evident in a Prevention Agenda which is New York State's health improvement plan, the blueprint for state and local actions to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and to promote health equity in all populations who experience disparities [1]. In addition, strategies for successful partnerships include long standing relationships with local health departments, community health centers, hospital systems, community-based organizations, individuals and groups who rely on the State Department of Health for quality services to achieve health equity and eliminate health disparities. This report provides an overview of previous, current, and forthcoming health literacy activities spearheaded by the New York State Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention that support the importance of effective communication and health literacy across the Department.