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| Why is health literacy important?
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This month, we're dedicating part of our newsletter to exploring how improving literacy is crucial for enhancing public health outcomes.
Health literacy refers to the ability to access, understand, and use health information and services to make informed decisions. This includes interpreting prescription labels, navigating health insurance, and following medical advice.
With approximately 54% of American adults reading below a sixth-grade level, many face significant challenges related to health literacy, including:
Higher hospitalization rates: Individuals with low health literacy often rely on emergency departments for primary care, straining resources and increasing readmission rates within weeks.
Poor chronic condition management: Misunderstanding treatment plans can lead to complications in managing illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension, requiring additional time and effort from healthcare providers.
Limited preventive care: Low health literacy contributes to missed vaccinations and screenings, increasing health risks.
Increased costs: These issues result in an estimated $106–$238 billion annually in additional healthcare expenses.
Literacy breaks down barriers to understanding and fosters health equity across communities.
I'm the head of my household, and my parents depend on me for everything regarding communication. My brother is also learning, so it's so helpful to me to take English classes with Literacy Together. I'm now able to communicate better with people, specifically with my father's doctors. He has cancer, and I find it so helpful that I can understand his needs and everything related to the medications he takes and his treatments. (Maria Guadalupe, Literacy Together ESOL student).
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Marilyn Cortes, former Literacy Together Board Chair and literacy champion, shares her powerful "why"
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As a healthcare worker, Marilyn witnessed firsthand how literacy directly impacts individuals' health and well-being.
Fat, flu, pill, allergic, jaundice, anemia, fatigue, directed, colitis, constipation, osteoporosis. These are the words in a screening tool called the REALM-R that healthcare workers use to screen for literacy. The results of this short screening tool help us to determine the best way to educate our patients on their post-surgery instructions, medications, sliding scale for diabetes management, and home care instructions. The first three words technically aren’t part of the score and are only there to make the individual more comfortable.
As a healthcare worker, it was hard to see how many of my patients couldn’t read the words on this scale, even the first three words. These are people that aren’t able to read the label on their medication bottle, post-op instructions, and red flags, when and where their appointments are. These are people that are at a higher risk of hospitalization and they need our help.
This was what inspired me to join Literacy Together in their efforts to help the literacy crisis in our community. I’ve seen the life-changing (and potentially life-saving) work that they do. There are multiple ways that you can help with this work, including serving as a volunteer tutor, supporting Literacy Together financially, and spreading awareness in Buncombe County for the need to help address the literacy crisis. Together, we can help keep our neighbors healthier and safer.
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Marilyn Lindsley Cortes
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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We'd love to get to know you and your story. Please click the button below and share what brings you to Literacy Together!
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Join us for our 16th Annual Authors for Literacy Fundraiser, featuring New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci
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EVENT DETAILS
Where: Crowne Plaza Expo Center
1 Resort Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
When: Thursday, May 29
Doors open at 5 | Seated program begins at 6:30
Tickets: $100
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Corporate Partner Spotlight: Novant Health
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We are thrilled to introduce one of our 2025 Gold Sponsors, Novant Health! As healthcare leaders in Western North Carolina, Novant Health understands that care goes beyond treatment, focusing on relationships and community well-being. We were able to chat with Jessica Ijames (Corporate Director, Community Engagement) about why Novant Health chose to support our mission:
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What does literacy mean to you or your team at Novant, and why is it something you care about?
At Novant Health, literacy—particularly health literacy—is essential to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. It means ensuring that every patient, regardless of their background, has the knowledge and confidence to make informed healthcare decisions. We care deeply about this because health literacy directly impacts patient outcomes, treatment adherence, and overall well-being. When patients understand their diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans, they are more likely to engage in preventive care and successfully manage chronic conditions.
How do you think improving literacy can change someone's life?
Improving literacy empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being. It can be the difference between someone effectively managing their diabetes versus suffering from preventable complications.
If Novant were a book, what would the title be?
"Caring Beyond Words: A Story of Compassionate Healthcare"
We believe that healthcare is more than just treatments and procedures—it’s about building relationships, educating patients, and providing care beyond our facilities' walls.
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Our annual potluck was so much fun!
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Tutors, students, staff, and board members came together for a gathering filled with connection, laughter, and delicious bites. Thank you to everyone who made this day so special—building community, one moment at a time 💗
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Your Gift of Literacy supports free tutoring for neighbors in our community; together, we build bridges for connection. Please join us in creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate, contribute, and belong.
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This is a new team photo taken by the fantastic photographer and ESOL student Sergio! Thank you! From left to right: Gigi (🇻🇪🇺🇸), Erin, Laura (🇦🇷🇺🇸), Irina (🇷🇺🇺🇸), Amanda, Linda, Elyse, Rebecca, and Tiffany! ¡Gracias, Sergio!
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We host two orientation meetings a month! We've modified the format to be more inclusive. Everyone is welcome to join us, from prospective volunteer tutors to community members to local business owners and nonprofits wanting to learn more about Literacy Together's work.
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| Upcoming Online Orientation Meetings
Tuesday, April 8th, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, April 10th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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