Ethics

Ethics and Health Literacy

The ethics domain includes skills and knowledge essential for effective advocacy: being transparent, strategic and inclusive. Contributing a health literacy perspective requires balancing the needs of the organization with the rights of the audience. It requires both patience and persistence. A Health Literacy Specialist (HLS) would:
  • Use nonjudgmental, non-shaming behaviors with people who have limited literacy or limited health literacy.
  • Contribute a health literacy perspective to organizational or community-based initiatives (e.g., community consultation, public health campaign).
  • Interact with all stakeholders in inclusive ways that build trust, open communication, and strengthen transparency.
  • Understand the vital role health literacy plays in advancing health justice and achieving health equity. 

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.