Eastern CT AHEC, Inc.“Conectando la Communidad” (Connecting Communities)

Initiative

Denise O. Smith, BHCA, CHW, PN Conectando la Comunidad Project Manager

Initiative Approach

• Analyze literature on health literacy gaps• Survey Certified Application Counselors• Develop and implement training • Recommend Coverage to Care

implementation strategies• Provide technical assistance

Health Literacy Problem Analysis Mistrust of the medical system Low health and health insurance literacy Cultural and linguistic barriers High rates of chronic disease Delegated decision making

Rising premiums, deductibles and copaysPoor translation and language assistanceComplex terms, activities and decisionsIncreased individual responsibilityConstant change

Hispanic Persons of Color Literacy Gaps

Importance of health insurance

Importance of a healthy lifestyle

Importance of primary care

When to use ER or primary care

How to choose a provider

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Graph 1: CACs Rate the Lack of Health Literacy among Hispanic Persons of Color

CAC Workforce Services Gaps

Graph 2: Health Literacy Education Not Provided by CACs or other Respondents

CMS Coverage to Care Roadmap• Why health and health

insurance is important

• Using health insurance to

access primary care

• Using primary care or

emergency room

• Choosing a provider

Conectando la Comunidad Training1. Health Literacy Exploration (knowledge / skills

gaps of Hispanic Persons of Color and workforce 2. Coverage to Care (strategies to address cultural,

linguistic and implementation barriers)3. Teach Back Method (improve education,

communication and engagement)4. Health Literacy Study Circle (discussions to adapt

Coverage to Care)

Post Training Evaluation90% or more of all training participants agreed:

• Relevant to the needs of Hispanic clients and families• Effective in preparing CACs to assist Hispanic Persons

of Color to understand and navigate health systems• Coverage to Care will improve health care literacy among

Hispanic Persons of Color• Teach Back is an effective strategy to improve

engagement & increase health literacy

Next Steps• Recruit CACs, CHWs

and others for Coverage to Care implementation

• Offer strategies for implementation

• Monitor and provide technical assistance

Thank you!Free Coverage to Care Resources and

Focus Groups Registration atthe Eastern CT AHEC table.