The Department of Health and Human Services has announced an initiative to improve the health literacy of Americans.
Called “The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy” the effort is comprised of seven goals with specific strategies for different sectors of the health system including payers, the media, government agencies, and health care professionals, to improve health literacy.
These goals of the plan emphasize the importance of creating health and safety information that is accurate, accessible, and actionable.
"Health literacy is needed to make health reform a reality," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a statement. "Without health information that makes sense to them, people can’t access cost effective, safe, and high quality health services.
“But HHS can’t do it alone," Sebelius added. "We need payers and providers of health care services to communicate clearly and make the necessary changes to improve their communication with consumers, patients, and beneficiaries. Today’s plan is only the beginning of a long-term process with our many partners in all sectors that we hope will result in a society that encourages people to live longer, healthier lives."