Improving Youth Health Literacy with Technology

Nearly 36% of adults in the U.S. have low health literacy. Individuals with low health literacy experience greater health care use and costs compared to those with proficient health literacy. One of the most effective ways we can help improve the health literacy in our communities is to start with our youth.

October is Health Literacy Month and this year’s theme is “Be a Health Literacy Hero,” encouraging professionals to take action and find ways to improve health communication. When it comes to communicating and connecting with youth, one of the best places to start is to meet them where they are communicating most: through technology.

Technology enables professionals to eliminate the most common real-world barriers to risk screening and gain access to population risk data, trends, and youth outcomes. And it has been proven that youth are more honest with a technology interface when disclosing risks than with traditional oral or paper survey methods.

Here at Possibilities for Change we are dedicated to delivering practical, evidence-based tools to empower youth to take control of their health. RAAPS is the first technology-based risk identification and coaching system that was created specifically for professionals working with youth. Through our partnership with Tickit Health, we have strengthened RAAPS’ interactive, cutting-edge approach by dynamically embedding the core principals of digital empathy, such as concern and caring for others, expressed through computer-mediated communications. Plus, with health literacy features like an audio button so youth can listen to the question as it is read aloud and evidence-based health messages tailored to the risk information they shared, youth can play an active role in their healthcare.

Want to learn more? Join us for a webinar on Thursday, October 29, at 3pm EST to learn how professionals like you can leverage technology to effectively identify youth risks, improve youth understanding and comprehension of their health decisions, and save lives. Register Now