Conference Focuses on Creation of State-Wide Health Literacy Coalition

WHAT:

Two day conference hosted by the School of Public Health's Herschel S. Horowitz Center at the University of Maryland will focus on the creation of a state-wide coalition on health literacy.

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 2, 2011. Opening Remarks begin at 1 P.M. on June 1.

WHERE:

University of Maryland School of Public Health, Room 1312

BACKGROUND:

The Herschel S. Horowitz Center for Health Literacy is finishing the first phase of its strategic plan by hosting a conference on ways to expand health literacy in the state of Maryland. Health literacy is defined as the "ability to understand health information, make smart decisions and take action to live better." This event involves health literacy stakeholders from across Maryland. Its strategic vision is for the State to become a leader in positive health outcomes for mothers and children through effective health literacy initiatives. The short-term outcome is the mobilization of people and organizations to work together to improve health literacy and health outcomes.

Rudd Emerging Health Literacy Scholar Award

Professor Rima Rudd (center) flanked by (l to r) Dean Robert Gold, Carlessia Hussein, Alice Horowitz, Rudd, Cynthia Bauer, Former UMD President Dan Mote, and Center Director Bonnie Braun. (Click on the photo for HiRes copy.)

The two day conference was highlighted by the announcement of the first Rima E. Rudd Emerging Health Literacy Scholar Award. Professor Bonnie Braun, who currently oversees the Horowitz Center said, "Part of the Horowitz Center's mission is to educate tomorrow's workforce. This fellowship will help us attract doctoral students in advancing health literacy science as part of their dissertation. The prestige of a fellowship named after a national and international health literacy scholar will add to the reputation of the Howowitz Center for Health Literacy and to that of the School of Public Health."

Professor Rudd is a Visiting Senior Scholar at the Horowitz Center and is a Senior Lecturer on Society, Human Development, and Health at the Harvard School of Public Health. She is internationally known for her work on health communication and the design and evaluation of public health programs. She spoke during the opening session on: "Why A Focus on Health Literacy? Why Now? Why a Health Literacy Maryland?"

Afterwards, former University of Maryland President Dan Mote and current Horowitz Center Director Bonnie Braun announced the Rudd graduate fellowhship and presented her with a special gift. Dr. Mote said during the presentation that "this naming honors her vision, commitment, national and international scholarship and mentorship in the field of Health Literacy."

MEDIA:

Media coverage is welcome.

CONTACT:

For more information, contact:

Professor Bonnie Braun
Director -Horowitz Center for Health Literacy
301-405-0388

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About The Horowitz Center for Health Literacy at the University of Maryland

The Horowitz Center is endowed and named to honor the legacy of Dr. Herschel S. Horowitz, scientist, educator, and public health advocate. Dr. Horowitz believed that researchers had a responsibility to communicate risks to health, promote methods of maintaining health, generate healthy policies for the community, educate communities, and serve as expert witnesses where necessary. The Center was established with a gift from Dr. Alice M. Horowitz and family, and is part of the Dean's Office of the University of Maryland College Park, School of Public Health.

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