Literacy a matter of public health

If you have a chronic illness, chances are you can’t manage it — if you’re one of the 90 million American adults suffering from "limited health literacy."

A two-year study recently released by the Institute of Medicine found that nearly half of native-born, English-speaking adults face higher risks of health problems because they can’t understand medical terms and directions. The report emphasizes that adults of all backgrounds lack the literacy skills to effectively use the health care system.

In New Jersey, estimates are that four in 10 adults cannot read at a level to function in today’s society. Literacy includes the full range of skills needed to navigate life. This includes understanding numbers and concepts, listening, speaking and writing.

Existing literacy programs have the cure. Sadly, these programs are starved for money and serve far fewer than the 2 million in New Jersey who could benefit. A first step to ensure real progress in advancing the health and promise of all of our citizens would be for all of us to support existing literacy programs.

Penni Wild

Executive Director

NJ Reads

Trenton