October is Health Literacy Month! Build Health Literacy Through Action
Help put health literacy awareness into action during Health Literacy Month. This month of international observance highlights the work of integrating and expanding the mission of health literacy toward health equity, so everyone has access to high-quality care to achieve positive health outcomes.
Create a More Equitable World
During health literacy month, we urge you to put health literacy awareness into action! Together, we can build bridges between our organizations and the people who need health care or services. Greater health literacy helps us overcome barriers and challenges that may result in harm. By collectively working to improve health literacy, we’ll create a more equitable world where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes.
Founded by Helen Osborne
Health Literacy Month was created by Helen Osborne, M.Ed., OTR/L, a nationally recognized health literacy expert, author, and educator. IHA is honored to continue this tradition and expand its impact while maintaining recognition of Helen’s foundational leadership and vision. Health Literacy Consulting
Share These Resources
Find more on toolkit page!
Personal Health Literacy
This short animated IHA video explains how to improve personal health literacy.
Communicate Better with Patients
This IHA video explains how and why to communicate better with patients or clients.
Your Aha! Moment
Often there is an “Aha!” moment when someone realizes the impact or importance of health literacy. Here are some stories we collected.
Fun GIFs
Share these animated graphics on social media to raise awareness of Health Literacy Month!
About Health Literacy
Health literacy is a broad topic, with applications in practice, policy, research, education, and more.
Click here for more on health literacy and its importance.
What is Health Literacy?
Health literacy is defined in two ways:
- Personal health literacy is how well a person can find, understand, and use information and services to make decisions about their own health and the health of others.
- Organizational health literacy is how well organizations equitably help all people find, understand, and use information and services to make decisions about their own health and others.