The Wellmark Foundation Provides Funding to Continue Health Literacy Project in Linn County

October 8, 2007

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Contact:
Angela Feig
515.245.4551
feigab@wellmark.com

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Healthy Linn Care Network in Cedar Rapids received a $33,702 grant from The Wellmark Foundation to continue a health literacy project in Linn County. Two previous grants from The Wellmark Foundation supported the Network’s launch of the project in 2005 and implementation of the second phase in 2006.

The third phase of the project, the Power of Health – Building Bridges, will develop sustainable educational strategies for specific populations challenged by health literacy issues, says Stephanie Loes, executive director of the Healthy Linn Care Network. “Building Bridges will create health information toolkits and train lay advocates in the community to provide assistance to individuals and families in need,” says Loes.

The goal of the Power of Health is to increase the health literacy and the overall health status of Linn County residents, says Loes. The social marketing campaign focused on providing residents with the knowledge necessary to make healthy decisions will continue through this phase of the project.

The project is a collaborative effort of the Healthy Living Coalition, which is led by the Healthy Linn Care Network. Partners include the American Heart Association, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, His Hands Free Medical Clinic, Hy-Vee Inc., Mercy Medical Center, Rx for Fitness, St. Luke’s Hospital, Young Parents Network and numerous other organizations in the community. For more information, contact Stephanie Loes at stephanie@healthylinn.org or (319) 369-8600.

The Wellmark Foundation has provided more than $12.77 million to fund 374 health-related grants in Iowa and South Dakota since 1997, including a total of $1,854,175 to date in 2007. “The Wellmark Foundation works to improve the health of Iowans and South Dakotans,” says Matthew McGarvey, director of The Wellmark Foundation. “The Power of Health project has had wonderful community support and has been very successful in reaching the residents of Linn County. We are pleased to support this next phase of the project that will assist residents who face various challenges in navigating the health care system.”