Meet the Council

The Health Literacy Council of Delaware leading the way to Health and Understanding

In 2022, a diverse group of healthcare leaders, community partners, and advocates came together to form the Health Literacy Council of Delaware. Our goal is to tackle health literacy challenges across the state, making it easier for everyone to understand healthcare.

Our Vision

Establishing Equity Through Literacy: We dream of a Delaware where everyone has the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Through our advocacy for educational advancement and policy reform, we aim to build a community grounded in clear understanding and equal health opportunities.

Our Mission and Strategies

Elevating Health Literacy Across Delaware: We are dedicated to transforming how health information is communicated. By making health information more accessible and promoting a culture of literacy, we work with healthcare institutions and community partners to better health outcomes and broaden the impact of health literacy.

Our Future

Advancing Health Literacy in Delaware: It is only through strong partnerships and bold action can we address the pressing health literacy need in our state. Our council consists of committed stakeholders who work together to enhance the well-being of all Delawareans.

Greg O’Neill
Greg O’Neill
MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC
Patient & Family Health Education Director, ChristianaCare, Chair of the Health Literacy Council of Delaware
"It has been nearly 20 years since the Institute of Medicine published a Prescription to End Confusion. In that time, we have seen that without a coordinated effort, the work of well-intentioned people and programs can only do so much to address this need. There are few things impacting health like the phenomenon of misunderstanding. The time has come for Delaware to answer the call to action with a strategic plan to improve health literacy."
Sequoia Rent
Sequoia Rent
Bureau Chief at State of Delaware
Co-chair
Sequoia has dedicated her career to youth and community health, supporting underrepresented populations through outreach, mentoring, and public health initiatives. Since 2019, she has served with Delaware’s Division of Public Health and now leads as Chief of the Bureau of Health Equity. As co-chair of the Health Literacy Council of Delaware, she advances health equity and literacy statewide. A creative at heart, Sequoia enjoys artistic expression—especially cake design—along with reading, crime dramas, Marvel movies, and time with her family and dog, Magnus.
Emma Braun
Emma Braun
Lead Consultant, PMG Consulting LLC
Emma Braun serves as the lead for the Health Literacy Council of Delaware and the Delaware Literacy Alliance. With a background in project management and systems change, she brings a strong commitment to advancing equity and improving outcomes for communities across the state. Emma works to coordinate statewide initiatives, build partnerships, and ensure that both councils have the structure and support needed to make literacy and health literacy a priority for all Delawareans.

Our Statewide Strategic Plan Recommendations

Championing a Health Literate Delaware

1. Create Policies

What We Do: We work to set up strong rules and guidelines to ensure ongoing support for health literacy programs.

2. Involve Top Leaders

Our Approach: We get leaders from healthcare and government on board to make sure health literacy practices are consistent across Delaware.

3. Launch Health Literacy Campaigns

Our Actions: We launch health literacy campaigns that connect with everyone, both in the public and private sectors. Our campaigns aim to spread the importance of health empowerment to everyone.

4. Use Easy-to-Understand Health Materials

Our Role: Guided by the Health Literacy Council, we help leaders identify and use materials that are easy to understand. This ensures that everyone has access to clear, accurate, and high-quality health information.

5. Make Health Education Better and Consistent

Our Commitment: We focus on improving health literacy education throughout Delaware. This includes adding health literacy lessons and professional training programs in schools, offering a unified learning experience for all.

 

Creating Awareness to Affect Change

Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee
This subcommittee is dedicated to advocating for policies that ensure consistent funding and support for health literacy initiatives in Delaware. We work tirelessly to elevate health literacy on the legislative agenda and create a sustainable framework for statewide action.
Community Outreach and Engagement Subcommittee
Our focus is on building relationships and networks that foster health literacy. We engage with communities across Delaware to raise awareness, share resources, and empower individuals to take an active role in their health journey.
Education and Training Subcommittee
We are committed to streamlining health literacy education by developing and providing training materials and programs for all levels, from the public to healthcare professionals. Our goal is to standardize health literacy education, making it accessible and effective.

Meet Our Council Members

Leadership
Greg O’Neill- Chair ChristianaCare
Sequoia Rent – Co-Chair DHSS
State Stakeholders
Juliann Villecco  Delaware Healthcare Association
Jasmine Minhas Office of Governor Meyer 
Membership – Health Systems
Kim Blanch Beebe Healthcare 
Erica Singleton  Nemours Children’s Health 
Erica Courtney TidalHealth
Nadya Julien Tabitha Medical Care, LLC 
Tasheema Heyliger Bayhealth
Karen Merson  Bayhealth 
Rachel Hersh La Red Health Center
Stacy Ferguson St. Francis Hospital 
Shay Scott Henrietta Johnson 
Lauren Cooksey  ChristianaCare
Membership – State Stakeholders
Nichole Moxley DHSS – DPH
Kate Smith Delaware Academy of Medicine
Keda Dorisca Rodel
Dawn Hollinger  DHSS – DPH
Yendelela Cuffee Partnership for Healthy Communities 
Membership – Financial Partners
Brian Citino AmeriHealth Caritas
Pattie Wright Highmark Health Options Delaware 
Membership – Other
John McNeal State Council for Persons with Disabilities

Read Our Minutes & Agendas

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Community Outreach & Engagement Committee