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

Health Literacy is a Collective Effort — and Organizations Play a Pivotal Role

One of the most important questions public health professionals need to consider is not only what intervention will achieve the desired health outcomes, but what level of influence will be most effective. The social-ecological model of health identifies factors that affect health at different levels — ranging from individual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors to the family and community level and into the broader level of societal factors. Across all levels, health literacy is an important social determinant of health.

Read more about Health Literacy is a Collective Effort — and Organizations Play a Pivotal Role

Link to posts about Health LiteracyCheck out all blog posts about Health Literacy.

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.