Health literacy work has changed a lot since this conference began 25 years ago. It started with a focus on making health information clearer. Today, the work has expanded in ways we could not have predicted. 

Navigating a More Complex Information Environment 

Health information now comes from many different places, including community spaces, AI chat, and social media. As access has expanded, more people are entering conversations with their own information. This has led to more balanced and engaged interactions, with people asking more questions and participating more fully in decision-making. At the same time, this shift is occurring within an evolving information environment. 

Misinformation and disinformation have become a regular part of this environment, and federal guidance and guardrails continue to evolve. Together, these factors shape what people bring into conversations, influence how information is interpreted, and shape how trust develops over time. This same environment also influences how we use new tools to support communication. 

Knowing When and How to Use AI 

We're seeing technology tools, especially AI, used more for communication support. These tools can help reduce workload and make it easier to draft and translate information, expanding what is possible in practice. They also bring new challenges. Sometimes AI produces information that sounds right, even when it’s not accurate. It’s not always clear when and how to use these tools, and part of the work now is keeping human judgment at the center. 

Designing Systems That Support Understanding 

These challenges extend beyond individual use and into the systems that shape how care is delivered. Many systems were not designed with patient experience in mind, making it difficult for people to navigate care, follow instructions, or fully engage in decision-making. 

This shows up in everyday processes, from patient portals and prescriptions to policies and workflows. When systems are not designed for clarity and usability, they affect the patient experience. It also impacts safety, equity, and outcomes. Now, the work is not just improving communication within these systems. It’s questioning how and why they were designed that way. 

Health literacy work has changed significantly over the past 25 years and will continue to evolve. The way we navigate our current challenges today will shape what comes next. This year’s conference focuses on the actions we can take to address these challenges, both as individuals and as part of larger systems. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, the work will depend on how we respond. Join us at this year’s conference to continue the conversation.