Community engagement

Community Engagement and Health Literacy

The community engagement domain includes skills and knowledge associated with promoting health literacy where people live – outside of clinical settings. A Health Literacy Specialist (HLS) working in the community, for a community-based organization, or in an agency or organization that engages in community-based activities, would:

Formulate and implement plans to facilitate community-based participation in health activities.

Ensure the intended audience and those who support them are included in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health education, information, and services.

Facilitate connections among adult literacy programs, health organizations, and community partners to address health literacy needs.

Advocate for community representation on committees and in policy development.

Develop partnerships with key community stakeholders, community-based organizations, and business or government partners that advance health literacy in the community.

Take a self-guided tour of the Health Literacy Ecosystem

The Health Literacy Ecosystem offers an overview of the skills and knowledge, settings and sources, audiences, and communication formats that are foundational to our field. Navigate within and across spheres, or dive into a topic and connect to resources. We welcome your contributions.