New to health literacy? Find the essential concepts, tools, and resources you need to get started, all in one place.
Health Literacy Foundations
1. Start Here
New to health literacy? You’re in the right place. Begin with an introduction to what health literacy means, why it matters, and how you can make a difference through your work.
Health Literacy 101
New to health literacy?
Start with an introduction to health literacy and why it matters. Michael Villaire, MSLM, president and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Advancement, explores how common low health literacy is, the challenges people face and its impact on well-being and healthcare costs.
2. Learn the Foundations
Build your understanding of plain language, teach back, culturally responsive communication, and organizational responsibility. These resources introduce key practices that help people find, understand, and use health information and services.
3. Explore the Evidence
Discover why health literacy matters for people and organizations. These articles and white papers can deepen your understanding and help you share the importance of this work with others.
4. Put Health Literacy Into Practice
Start small and build from there. Explore practical tools to make communication clearer, check understanding, and help your organization better support the people it serves.
Use Plain Language
Make health information easier to read, understand and act on.
Use Teach-Back
Confirm understanding by asking people to explain information in their own words.
Strengthen Your Organization
Make it easier for people to find, understand and use health information and services across your organization.
5. Learn From the Community
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Ask questions, share what you’re learning, and connect with others working to put health literacy into practice. Questions at every level are welcome.
Have a Question? Ask the Community
Health literacy looks different across professions, organizations and communities. Connect with others working through similar challenges.
Start a Conversation
Not sure where to begin? Try one of these questions:
How do you explain health literacy to leadership?
What makes something plain language?
How are organizations measuring health literacy?
What are the best resources for learning teach-back?
6. Continue Your Learning
Ready to take another step? Explore courses, a certificate program, and interactive learning opportunities to build your confidence and strengthen skills you can use in your work.
Build your health literacy knowledge and skills through structured professional learning from IHA Health Literacy Academy.
Health Literacy Specialist Certificate Program
IHA’s professional certificate program focused on health literacy knowledge, implementation and organizational improvement.
PlainLanguage Pro
A skill-building course for applying plain language to health communication.
Always Use Teach-Back Toolkit
A practical resource to support teach-back as a standard communication practice, including a free interactive learning module.