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Health Literacy and Education
  
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Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.
- Healthy People 2010, Health Communication Terminology
The American Medical Association Council of Scientific Affairs more specifically defines functional health literacy as “the ability to read and comprehend prescription bottles, appointment slips, and the other essential health related materials required to successfully function as a patient.”
Health Literacy affects people’s ability to:
- Navigate the healthcare system, including filling out complex forms and locating providers and services
- Share personal information, such as health history, with providers
- Engage in self-care and chronic-disease management
- Understand mathematical concepts such as probability and risk
In 2007-2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Health received funding to create a Health Literacy and Education Section in the Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction. This new section is responsible for:
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Implementing national goals and recommendations related to health literacy
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Developing a Health Literacy Council and Health Literacy State Plan
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Administering health literacy initiatives and funding proposals that implement evidence based practices in response to state and national recommendations as funding is available
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Providing a coordinated approach to enhance the delivery of health promotion and risk reduction messaging in Pennsylvania
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