October is Health Literacy Month – a time when health organizations, literacy programs, libraries, social service agencies, businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and other groups work together to expand the mission of health literacy. 

Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Studies consistently show that a lot of people have problems reading, understanding, and acting on health information. This impacts personal health and healthcare resources.

Promoting health literacy improves health outcomes, as well as healthcare safety and quality. At the same time, it reduces health disparities and healthcare costs. Together, we can build a world with greater health equity where all people can attain positive health outcomes.