U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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

Build Health Literacy at Your Organization During Health Literacy Month

Posted on October 2, 2026

Celebrated each October, Health Literacy Month is the perfect time to take action to advance health literacy in your organization and in your community. Healthy People 2030 identifies health literacy as a social determinant of health, or a key non-medical factor that affects health, well-being, and quality of life. That’s why every health professional and organization has a responsibility to improve health literacy.

Read more about Build Health Literacy at Your Organization During Health Literacy Month
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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.

Según la Orden Ejecutiva 14224, el inglés es el idioma oficial y la versión autorizada de toda la información federal.

Content last updated on August 24, 2021