October is Health Literacy Month
Health Literacy Month is a time for organizations and
individuals to promote the importance of understandable health
information. Since 1999 when Helen Osborne founded Health Literacy Month, there have been hundreds of
awareness-raising events taking place worldwide.
There is no right or wrong way to participate in Health Literacy Month. Over the years health care organizations, community coaltions, government agencies, businesses, advocacy groups, educational programs, and many others have hosted a wide range of events. Examples include communication workshops for
professionals, health education programs for patients and the public, and educational offerings for students at all levels.
For Health Literacy Month 2013, I suggest the theme "Be a Health Literacy Hero." It's about taking action and finding ways to improve how we communicate health information. Health Literacy Heroes can be individuals, teams, or organizations. What they have in common is finding health literacy problems and then acting to solve them.
From time to time, Health Literacy Month will highlight those deemed to be Health Literacy Heroes. Click here or go to the Health Literacy Heroes link on the left.
Who do you think should be honored as a Health Literacy Hero?
Happy Health Literacy Month,
~Helen Osborne
