Health Literacy

Health literacy is the ability to read, understand and effectively use health information. The inability to correctly read and interpret health information can greatly impact health care outcomes both practically and financially.

National Institute for Literacy

This site is maintained by the National Institute for Literacy Special Collections, staffed by adult educators, health educators, health communication specialists, and researchers.


American Medical Association

In 1998, the American Medical Association became the first national medical organization to adopt policy recognizing that limited patient literacy effects medical diagnosis and treatment.  The AMA Foundation has since been working to raise awareness of health literacy within the health care community.


Harvard School of Public Health

Health Literacy Studies (HLS) is located in the Department of Society, Human Development and Health at the Harvard School of Public Health. HLS is a research program (Rudd, P.I) of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL). We are engaged in a variety of activities, studies, and explorations linking health and literacy. Our work is based in public health, health care settings, and adult education programs.


Institute for Healthcare Advancement

Access training manuals in the HELP (Health Education Literacy Program) curriculum for free.  You can also find information on health literacy conferences as well as books and web resources.


Canadian Public Health Association

CPHA's National Literacy and Health Program provides resources to help health professionals serve clients with low literacy skills more effectively. The program focuses on health information in plain language and clear verbal communication between health professionals and the clients they serve.


Pfizer Clear Health Communication Initiative

Millions of patients encounter difficulties when they try to understand health information — which in turn has a negative impact on health outcomes and the entire health care system. As a result, Pfizer has taken a leadership role in advocating for Clear Health Communication. All health care information providers have a responsibility to ensure that the information given to patients is communicated in a way that is understandable and truly accessible.