Our literature is now replete with materials assessments of patient education amterials. We know that we have been developing and disseminating written materials at reading levels that exceed the reading ability of the average adult patient. However, we have neglected to examine important public health information. State departments of public health and avarious federal agencies disseminate information of critical concern to the public. This case focuses on the accessibility of government adivsories. Mercury contamination of fish particularly affects vulnerable populations such as pregnant and nursing women and young children, but also has broader public health impact. In the past year alone, the EPA has issued fish consumption advisories for fresh water fish and the FDA has issued similar advisories for ocean fish. The advisories set firm limits on the types and amounts of fish that can be safely consumed. However, the structure and the content of the messages and the delivery formats (newspapers, internet) may miss the populations most critically affected. We report on an effort to provide critical information and sophisticated scientific findings in an attractive and easy to access format. In addition, we discuss a dissemination strategy that goes beyond traditional public health approaches.
Learning Objectives: Participants will: 1. Gain understanding about usual methods of public communication of an environmental hazard (mercury contamination of fish) and contrast it with a more appealing, easy to read approach. 2. Discuss a dissemination strategy for critical public environmental information.
Keywords: Health Literacy, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.