Building a Coalition to Promote Health Literacy in Central Massachusetts

Abstract

Founded by graduate nursing students at Worcester State University (WSU), the Central Massachusetts Health Literacy Project (CMHLP) is an academic-community partnership with the vision of a healthier Central Massachusetts through health literacy efforts. Current health indicators of the greater Worcester area suggest that there is great need for building health literacy capacity. Although students are considered learners, many WSU graduate nursing students have roots in Central Massachusetts and have years of experience as health care providers. They come from diverse cultural, linguistic, and health care backgrounds. Their combined health care experiences and ability to interpret and perform scholarly work contribute to their ability to assess health literacy needs of local residents, identify the best health literacy practices, and formulate innovative solutions to poor heath literacy. CMHLP members have worked with Worcester Refugee Assistance Program, Elder Services of Worcester, and Central Mass/MetroWest Transitions in Care Collaborative. CMHLP members are not outsiders who come into a community to study and leave. Their commitment to the Worcester area not only helps sustain the collaborative but provides the important everlasting connection between the university and local community.