Building Health Literacy Awareness Through Action

For more than 20 years, October has been recognized as Health Literacy Month. Health Literacy Month is a time of international observance when hospitals, health centers, literacy programs, libraries, social service agencies, businesses, professional associations, govern­ment agencies, consumer alliances, and many other groups work collaboratively to integrate and expand the mission of health literacy.

Health Literacy Month was founded in 1999 by Helen Osborne and is now brought to you by the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA).

2 New Videos for You!

IHA's Personal Health Literacy PSA

This short video from IHA explains how to improve personal health literacy. Video by Next Day Animations.

IHA's Aha! Moment Video

Often there is an "Aha!" moment when someone realizes the impact or importance of health literacy. Here are some stories we’ve collected.

Both of these videos showcase the importance of health literacy – feel free to share these today! (See Toolkit page for downloads.)

During Health Literacy Month we urge you to move health literacy awareness to health literacy action! It is our collective health literacy actions that build bridges between organizations and people needing health care or services. Our bridges provide a safe road over the many challenges and barriers that may result in harm. Our collective efforts will lead to a more equitable world whereby all people can access high quality care and attain positive health outcomes.