Health literacy is a key factor in improving health outcomes and well-being in rural areas, where unique challenges, such as limited access to healthcare services and diverse populations make it especially important. Effective health communication and education tailored to the specific needs of rural communities can contribute to better health outcomes.
People with adequate levels of health literacy are better able to understand their health concerns and diagnoses as well as any treatment information. Organizations that focus on improving health literacy help people better understand and use health information and in turn make it easier for people to interact with the healthcare system.
The Rural Health Information Hub has created a Rural Community Health toolkit containing evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations implementing programs to improve health literacy in rural communities across the United States. As we move from awareness to action during national Health Literacy Month, access these tools, resources and programs and better understand the batters to access and care so we can make an impact and improve health outcomes for our communities. #healthliteracymonth
 |
Module 1: Introduction Overview of health literacy in the U.S. and unique challenges that rural communities face. |
 |
Module 2: Program Models Promising approaches and models for health literacy programs. |
 |
Module 3: Program Clearinghouse Examples of promising health literacy programs that have been implemented in rural communities. |
 |
Module 4: Implementation Important issues to consider and address when implementing a rural health literacy program. |
 |
Module 5: Evaluation Tools to help with the evaluation of a health literacy program. |
 |
Module 6: Funding & Sustainability Resources to help with planning for the sustainability of a health literacy program. |
 |
Module 7: Dissemination Ideas and resources for disseminating findings from a health literacy program. |
Health literacy is not just about individual knowledge, but also about community empowerment. In rural areas, community engagement and understanding health information collectively can contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.
For more information about the need for addressing health literacy and other social determinants of health that impact health literacy in rural areas, see the Social Determinants of Health in Rural Communities Toolkit.
Additional Resources:
- Rural-Urban Disparities in Health Care in Medicare – describes rural-urban differences in health care experiences and clinical care received nationally.
- Advancing Rural Maternal Health Equity Report – provides a high-level summary of the activities that the CMS Office of Minority Health implemented to address maternal health disparities between June 2019 and November 2021 as a part of its Rural Maternal Health Initiative.
Listen to Our Podcast, Q-Tips For Your Ears
Social Determinants of Health: Understand what social drivers are – including health literacy – and how they impact the health of individuals and communities.