NLM’s Specialized Information Services (SIS) will once again be funding AIDS community outreach projects. The announcement of the forthcoming RFP is listed currently on FedBizOp at the URL below. The RFP will be available on May 15 with proposals due on June 18.

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=617fb50d5cbee0ed17add7b770d12226&tab=core&_cview=0

Projects must involve one or more of the following information access categories:
1. Information Retrieval: To provide or improve access to electronic AIDS- and other health-related information resources by the organization or by the clients they serve and to implement access to state-of-the-art AIDS-related information tools via the Internet and/or mobile phone technologies. This may require the purchase of hardware (computer equipment), software, or contractual relationships necessary to obtain a connection to the Internet for the purpose of accessing AIDS-related information or sharing AIDS-related information;

2. Skills Development: Training to develop skills in accessing or using HIV/AIDS-related information including the use of NLM online databases and mobile resources as well as general AIDS information resources in order to improve services and benefit the community. This may include training for the staff of the agency, development of training programs for clients and patrons, training programs for other agencies, etc. ;

3. Resource Development: To support an organization to meet the needs of their clients or communities by developing specific educational or informational materials such as culturally or language specific fact sheets, bibliographies, guides or other products to meet NLM Section 508 compliance regulations.

NLM is particularly interested in involving the affected community in the development of these new programs. Emphasis will be placed upon small businesses and the following types of organizations or arrangements for developing these programs:
1. Community-based organizations (CBO) or patient advocacy groups currently providing AIDS-related services to the affected community. This encompasses both individual groups wishing to enhance their own services, as well as several cooperating for the purpose of this project;

2. Public Libraries wishing to serve their communities in the provision of AIDS-related information and resources;

3. Health departments or other local, municipal, or state agencies working to improve the public health;

4. Faith-based organizations currently providing AIDS-related services to the affected community; and/or

5. Multi-type consortia of the above listed organizations that may be in existence or formed specifically for this project. This consortium should include at least one of the groups listed above in the management of the project, but may include other types of agencies, such as health sciences libraries, that may be able to provide expertise and resources for the project. Where necessary, formation of consortia for the purpose of carrying out an NLM-supported project is strongly encouraged.

The IOM Roundtable on Health Literacy published a Discussion Paper in January that describes ten attributes of a health literate organization. The paper defines a health literate organization as an organization that makes it easier for people to navigate, understand, and use information and services to take care of their health.

The following is the IOM’s description of the paper:

“The health care system is very complex. Most people in the United States have difficulty understanding and using currently available health information and health services. This means there is an imbalance between the skills of people and the demands of the health care system.

Why Now?

Addressing health literacy is critical to transforming health care quality. Goals for safe, patientcentered, and equitable care cannot be achieved if consumers cannot access services or make informed health care decisions. These attributes are offered as guides for achieving the vision of being a health literate organization. The attributes are based on real world evidence and best practices. But it is not expected that any organization would have already achieved all ten attributes.

How Should Organizations Use These Attributes?

These attributes are guidelines for health care organizations that seek to ensure that everyone gets the greatest benefit possible from health care information and services. There are many paths to becoming a health literate organization. Individual health care organizations will probably choose different strategies and should be encouraged to test how well their strategies work and to share the results of their efforts with others.

Who Should Use These Attributes?

Providers and small groups/teams that deliver health care, e.g., clinicians, dentists, administrative staff, group practices, clinics, inpatients units, subspecialty teams. Health care organizations that house providers and groups/teams that deliver health care, e.g., hospitals, community health centers, pharmacy practices, and integrated systems. Payors and health plans, e.g., health maintenance organizations, insurance carriers, employee-based plans, the Veterans Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.”

The paper and a list of resources on health literacy can be found at:
www.iom.edu/healthlit10attributes

Health Literacy Innovations is offering scholarships to the Institute for Healthcare Advancement’s Health Literacy conference in Irvine, California. I attended this conference several years ago. Caroline Marshall, the NER’s Health Literacy Community of Interest leader, attended last year. We both highly recommend the conference. The conference theme is Operational Solutions to Low Health Literacy.

Apply for a scholarship at:

http://www.healthliteracyinnovations.com/IHA/

Health Literacy Curriculum Development and Educational Leadership Institute
Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston
Dates: June 11-15, 2012
Limited to 20 participants

The Health Literacy Curriculum Development and Educational Leadership Institute provides health professionals and educators the opportunity to develop a health literacy curriculum to help transform public health and healthcare delivery in the United States. The Institute will include peer learning, sharing research and a curriculum development project. The Calgary Charter on Health Literacy will provide guidance for projects. Faculty includes Sabrina Kurtz-Rossi, Julie McKinney and Clifford Coleman. Contact Sabrina Kurtz-Rossi for further information.