Healthy People 2030 proposes redefining Health Literacy

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking input into an updated definition of Health Literacy for Healthy People 2030. The Secretary’s Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention proposed a working definition of Health Literacy. This proposed definition is meant to be only a starting point.

We will host a webinar to provide an overview of the current health literacy definition, the evolution of the term, guidelines for a new definition, and how to submit comments.

You can help us in three ways:

Join the webinar to learn how you can contribute to shaping the new definition. Details below.
Read more about the proposed new definition
Share the webinar details with your partners and encourage them to comment on the new definition by visiting the Federal Register Notice

Healthy People 2030 Proposes Redefining Health Literacy

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) invites comments on a proposed new health literacy definition for Healthy People 2030. Read the full request for comments in the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/06/04/2019-11571/solicitation-for-written-comments-on-an-updated-health-literacy-definition-for-healthy-people-2030

The current health literacy definition is limited to an individual’s ability to find, use, and understand health information. Studies from the field have shown the need to broaden that definition to include the systems and contexts that can influence a person’s health literacy.

A new definition can broaden the scope to include how organizations, health care professionals, health insurance providers, and communities can work together to help individuals find, use and understand health information.

We want to hear from you. Please visit the Federal Register and share your ideas on a new definition that reflects the work you do to help people find, use and understand health information.