Syracuse University's College of Human Services and Health Professions (HSHP) has been working to respond to an important health care challenge-health literacy.
Health literacy is the ability to read, understand and act on health care information. It is a challenge that can affect people of any age, income, race or background, but can cause health disparities especially among minority and underserved populations.
As part of its work promoting health literacy, HSHP will host a visit by
Feleta Wilson, associate professor of nursing at Wayne State University, on Oct. 8. Wilson will deliver the Pfizer Visiting Lecture Presentation, "What is Health Literacy and How Does it Impact Health and Well-Being, Health Care Delivery and Health Outcomes?" at 7:30 p.m. in Sulzle Auditorium, located on the second floor of the Marley Education Building at the corner of Irving and Waverly Avenues. The lecture is free and open to the public.
During her visit, Wilson will also participate in a morning roundtable discussion with students, faculty and community members in a student session from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Kilian Room, Room 500 of the Hall of Languages. Students are welcomed and encouraged to attend these sessions.
Wilson's visit is sponsored by HSHP's Office of Student Affairs and Special Projects, and is part of the Pfizer Health Literacy Grant Initiative at SU.
Wilson is an expert in health literacy whose research encompasses public health, urban health and health education. She has specific expertise in health literacy, diversity, cultural sensitivity, and communication and information needs of patients and minority populations.
"Dr. Wilson will be able to share critical information with our faculty and students that will not only result in increased knowledge about health care management with low-literate patients, but also add to the breadth and depth of understanding regarding the sensitive nature of health care concern," says Luvenia Cowart, assistant dean in HSHP.
Wilson holds a master of public health degree from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and a Ph.D. in education from Wayne State University College of Education. Wilson's current research focuses on health literacy among various urban populations and on the development of easy-to-read patient education materials and communications strategies for people with low literacy skills.
HSHP is working along several avenues to advance knowledge in the area of health literacy and build coalitions to promote health education and reduce health disparities. The Prostate Cancer Education Council of Central New York, co-founded and directed by Cowart, has conducted a highly successful prostate cancer screening program with African American barbershops, implemented symposia and developed a culturally sensitive health awareness brochure. The college, in conjunction with the Division of Student Affairs, is producing a student-run health newsmagazine designed to promote health literacy on campus.
Call 443-9233 for more information on Wilson's visit.
