In 1959, a newspaper headline read "Medical Records Tell Life Story of Every Patient." As we recognize the 2023 theme for for Women's History Month, Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, we honor health information professionals, past and present, who work with medical records and the health data that forms our patient stories.
"I believe one should contribute to those organizations that provide useful guidelines and give more people an opportunity to enter the field.”
-Carol A. Lewis, MPH, RHIA • Credited with the establishment and continuing development of health record practice in more than 30 countries in the Western Hemisphere • AHIMA member since 1953
“One reason the Walter Reed Society funds AHIMA Foundation is because I had a very successful career in HIM as a military spouse and was very successful in HIM despite having the disability of MS.”
- Teresa Foley, MA, RHIA, CPHQ, FAHIMA
• Credited with establishing the University of Pittsburgh’s program for Medical Service Corps officers to get their master’s in health information management and sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) exam
"Screening for digital readiness is critical for remote patient monitoring success. As technology continues to evolve and our population ages, the importance of professionals skilled at breaking down barriers to health information will be even more crucial."
"Health data can help you make informed decisions about your health. For example, if you are considering a new weight loss or exercise program, you can look at health data to see if there is evidence to support its effectiveness."
"We developed our solution to building organizational health literacy and embarked on an initiative we called, ‘Clear Communications’ to ensure everything we created was equitable and accessible for a given population."
Share YOUR insights and expertise on the official blog of AHIMA Foundation!
Submissions accepted on a wide variety of topics relating to consumer health information access, understanding, and use for better health outcomes. Emailinfo@ahimafoundation.orgfor guidelines.
Currently enrolled health information students pursuing associate's, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in health information management (HIM) or health informatics (HI) are encouraged to apply. For eligibility and requirements, visit ahimafoundation.org/scholarships. Interested students are encouraged to reviewfrequently asked questionson the AHIMA Foundation website, as well as a list oftips for a successful scholarship application – which include the 2023 required essay questions.
Headed to HIMSS23? Meet withAHIMA Foundation Directors Megan McVane and Amanda Krupa to learn more about our current research, programs, and projects. Email them directly to connect and schedule a meet-up at Megan.Mcvane@ahimafoundation.org andAmanda.Krupa@ahimafoundation.org.
April 26 - Webinar: Disability Cultural Competence in Health Care
Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) April Lunch & Learn
Amanda Krupa for AHIMA Foundation and Arielle Silverman for the American Foundation for the Blind will present on research projects and findings related to disability cultural competence, access, and inclusion. At the end of the presentations, there will a 15-minute question-and-answer session with the audience. The audience will include a wide range of ICDR stakeholders, federal interagency partners, researchers, practitioners, disability organizations and ICDR Committee members. Registration is free, but space is limited. Register today!
May 2 - Webinar: Digital Readiness and Building Digital Health Literacy
Patient Navigation & Community Health Worker Training (PNTC)
In this 1-hour interactive webinar, AHIMA Foundation will provide an overview of digital health literacy and digital readiness in combating health inequities. Participants will learn how to go beyond basic definitions and examine new tools to evaluate digital readiness at the individual patient level for improved health outcomes. Those interested in the evolving role and impact of digital health navigation in healthcare settings are encouraged to attend. Register here!
The IHA Health Literacy Specialist Certificate Program arms health information professionals with the skills to apply health literacy principles to patient communications and materials, website design, and advocate for health literacy best practices in their organizations.
