Health Literacy

Health literacy and clear communication between health professionals and patients are key to improving health and the quality of health care. We create, promote, and curate evidence-based health literacy and communication tools, practices, and research for health professionals. Use our resources to find effective strategies for sharing health information in ways that people can understand and use.

News & Announcements

Hypertension: a Pandemic Perspective

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, puts tens of millions of people at risk for largely preventable conditions — such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure — and premature death. Hypertension is one of the leading modifiable risk factors causing chronic disease and premature mortality in the United States. Yet a large percentage of Americans are unaware that they have hypertension, and only about 1 in 4 adults in the United States have it under control. Preventing and controlling hypertension for Americans will save lives, reduce inordinate costs, and improve health, well-being, and resilience. The first step toward these outcomes is acknowledging that hypertension, sometimes called the “silent killer” for often going undetected before leading to serious harm, is also a “silent pandemic” — and though it’s not a contagious threat in the traditional sense, hypertension needs to be addressed with even greater attention and urgency. The statistics clearly define the problem.

Read more about Hypertension: a Pandemic Perspective

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Featured Initiatives

Health Literacy Online

Do you want to create actionable, usable health websites and digital tools? Use the research-based guidelines in Health Literacy Online to develop effective products for all users, including those with limited literacy or health literacy skills.

Check out Health Literacy Online.

business people

Health Literacy Workgroup

The workgroup is focused on educating people about the importance of health literacy and showing how it can improve outcomes, quality, and costs. 

Learn more about the workgroup and our multi-sector initiative to improve health literacy.

Health Literate Care Model

Health Literate Care Model

This model gives professionals a systems framework for incorporating health literacy strategies into all aspects of care.

Learn more about the Health Literate Care Model.

Business people

MyHealthfinder

Find important prevention and wellness information for consumers that's evidence based, actionable, and easy to use.

Learn more about MyHealthfinder.