JABSOM Library: Library Updates

Health Literacy Month

Celebrating 25 Years of Health Literacy Month

This October marks the 25th anniversary of Health Literacy Month! It’s a time to shine a spotlight on the crucial role of health literacy in improving health outcomes for individuals and communities across the country. Health literacy goes beyond understanding medical terms; it’s about empowering people to make informed health decisions and navigate the healthcare system effectively.

Resources for Health Literacy

To help spread awareness, here are some valuable resources:

• Healthy People 2030 Health Literacy Summary: Discover definitions and objectives related to health literacy. This initiative aims to eliminate health disparities and enhance well-being for all Americans.
• Health Literacy Online: A Guide for Simplifying the User Experience. This research-based guide will help you develop intuitive health websites and digital tools that all users can easily access and understand, including the millions of Americans who struggle to find, process, and use online health information. The guide includes sections on writing actionable content, organizing information, and testing your site with users with limited literacy skills.
• MyHealthfinder Tool: Connect individuals to easy-to-understand information about preventive health services.

Understanding Health Literacy

Healthy People 2030 defines health literacy in two ways:

• Personal Health Literacy: The ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to make informed health decisions for oneself and others.
• Organizational Health Literacy: The degree to which organizations enable individuals to access and comprehend health information and services equitably.

These definitions shift the focus from merely understanding health information to utilizing it effectively, promoting individual empowerment and organizational responsibility.

Why Health Literacy Matters

Improving health literacy is crucial for enhancing communication between healthcare providers and patients. Clear communication helps reduce misunderstandings and supports better health outcomes. Here are some related objectives from Healthy People 2030:

• Increase the proportion of adults whose healthcare providers check their understanding.
• Decrease the number of adults reporting poor communication with their providers.
• Improve the clarity of online medical records for all patients.

Join the Conversation

This October, let’s raise awareness about health literacy in our communities. By sharing resources and engaging in conversations, we can empower individuals to take charge of their health.

For more information, check out the resources available on the Healthy People 2030 website.

Together, we can improve health literacy and health equity for everyone!