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Health and Literacy
Compendium Home Page Organizational Resources | Publishers and Distributors Publishers and Distributors While many of the agencies listed below do more than just publish and distribute materials, they are listed here because their materials bring easy-to-read health information to the general public. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research The AHCPR produces materials at the eighth grade reading level. They distribute consumer versions of their clinical practice guidelines for a variety of conditions such as incontinence, pressure sores, cataracts, sickle cell disease, HIV, pain management, heart conditions, early Alzheimer's disease, and more. AIDS Action Committee AIDS Action produces and distributes AIDS information that is easy-to-read. The main focus of the materials is on treatment of HIV/AIDS. American Cancer Society The ACS has print and online cancer information, most of which is written at an eighth grade reading level. Their 800 number provides information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. American Dietetic Association The ADA publishes nutrition factsheets online regarding all aspects of nutrition, such as calcium requirements, limiting sodium or fats in one's diet, or healthy snacking. However, they are not designed to be easy-to-read. The ADA's book called Eating Healthy Foods was written to be easy-to-read. American Heart Association The Association provides information about fighting heart disease and stroke. They have six brochures that were designed to be easy-to-read. Most of their online factsheets, while containing valuable information, would not be appropriate for a beginning reader. Asian and Pacific Islanders for Reproductive Health APIRH is completing the H.O.P.E. for Women Project curriculum, a popular education, limited-literacy piece for immigrant and refugee women about women's reproductive health. Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs The AFOP publishes information to educate farm workers about nutrition-related issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and pesticide safety. Most of the materials are in Spanish or English; a limited amount is available in Haitian Creole. They produce both written information and audiotapes. Channing Bete Company, Inc. Channing Bete produces easy-to-read health information on a large range of topics: HIV/AIDS; STDs; sexuality; maternal and child health, including immunizations and nutrition; diseases and conditions such as hepatitis B & C, diabetes, or asthma; women's health; mental health; injury prevention; and substance abuse. The materials have been tested with adults who read below the seventh grade reading level. ETR Associates ETR produces health education pamphlets on a variety of topics, most at a seventh grade reading level or higher. Topics include HIV and STD treatment; birth control and safer sex; health promotion through nutrition and fitness; mental or emotional health; women's health, including premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis, and hormone replacement therapy; and smoking cessation. Food and Drug Administration The FDA publishes easy-to-read health information on the Web in both Spanish and English. To get a free CD-Rom with most of the brochures, send the request to the above address. Topics include eating for a healthy heart; arthritis treatment; losing weight; safer sunbathing; what to do for colds and flu; nutrition and aging; keeping foods safe; and how to poison-proof one's home. Krames Communication Krames produces easy-to-read health information on a range of topics including health promotion such as nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation; chronic disease management, including asthma and diabetes; senior health such as vision problems, incontinence, and rheumatology; women's health; maternal and child health; men's health; Medicaid; STDs; stress; substance abuse; and injury prevention. Lutheran Settlement House The Lutheran Settlement House has produced a number of adult literacy education curriculums that incorporate student writings about health. Topics covered include nutrition, AIDS, family, homelessness, employment, and family violence. National Cancer Institute The NCI has low-literacy cancer information in both Spanish and English. The NCI Web site includes cancer prevention, early detection and genetic testing information; communication and education resources for health professionals; resources to help everyone understand the basic science behind cancer and cancer research; a glossary; fact sheets and an index of publications; information for specific ethnic and racial groups; and clinical trials information. National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health The National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health has numerous print and online bibliographies on a wide range of health topics. One bibliography is limited literacy health information solely. The bibliographies include citations to materials and information about how to order the materials. The Center also has a national database of organizations involved in maternal and child health issues. The Center will do information searches on request. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has published information in print and on the Web. They have a pamphlet series about diabetes that is easy-to-understand. The titles include I Have Diabetes: How Much Should I Eat?, I Have Diabetes: What Should I Eat?, and I Have Diabetes: When Should I Eat? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute The NHLBI has bilingual Spanish and English booklets in print and online about cardiovascular health and asthma. Materials cover weight management, smoking cessation, exercise, fats and cholesterol, and more. A number of their pamphlets have been specifically designed to be easy-to-read. New Reader's Press New Readers Press is the U.S. publishing division of Laubach Literacy. The press publishes ESOL, ABE, and pre-GED materials on a variety of topics, including a series of health information readers. Health materials include works of fiction and non-fiction. Novela Health Education, University of Washington Novela Health Education produces dramas in booklet and video form to present health education in Spanish and English. Current topics include AIDS and STDs; safety involving pesticide use or car driving; child health; and domestic violence. They also have some information written for medical interpreters and providers. |