Year's ago, when I was medical social worker, I would regularly refer
people to literacy, GED, ESL, and adult education programs. Referrals
require: knowing the available programs, assessing access barriers
-personal (work schedules, literacy, attitudes towards teachers-schools,
childcare) and institutional (cost, enrollment processes, schedules,
etc.).

Many educational programs have many of the same access barriers as health
services. Some cultural-language groups need specific contact persons. A
call ahead always helps. Having been an adult educator with Latinos, it is
necessary for persons to be referred to basic education-literacy before
they can pursue language learning.

Finding out about services is more than using a directory, it involves
networking and engaging their staff in health events such as health fairs.

Finally, referrals have to framed in terms of benefits to either to
themselves or their extended family.


> Message: 1

> Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:38:53 -0400

> From: "Julie McKinney" <julie_mcKinney at worlded.org>

> Subject: [HealthLiteracy 1842] Wed. Question: referring patients to

> 	literacy	programs

> To: <healthliteracy at nifl.gov>

> Message-ID: <47D8233D0200002D00005EAD at bostongwia.jsi.com>

> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Does anyone out there from health centers, clinics or hospitals have a

> process in place to refer patients to literacy programs if they need them?

> I know they exist, just as do referrals to food stamps, housing

> assistance, etc. I'd like to hear what works in this regard. Please write

> in!

>

> All the best,

> Julie

>

> Julie McKinney

> Discussion List Moderator

> World Education/NCSALL

> jmckinney at worlded.org

>

>

>

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>

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> End of HealthLiteracy Digest, Vol 30, Issue 13

> **********************************************

>

>



-- 
Jose O. Arrom, MA
Dissemination and Research Development Specialist
Midwest Latino Health Research, Training, and Policy Center
Jane Addams College of Social Work
University of Illinois at Chicago
1640 W. Roosevelt Rd. 636 M/C 625
Chicago IL 606023
312-413-1836