Health literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Healthy People 2010).
We know that health literacy involves more than just patients. I like to think of health literacy as being influenced by three areas:

1. The patient's ability to obtain, understand and act on health information.

2. The health care provider's capacity to communicate clearly, educate about health and empower their patients.

3. The health care system's capacity to be easily accessed, quickly navigated and understandable by all

This means that a health-literate Minnesota would have patients who can access and use health information effectively, providers who can deliver health information simply and effectively and systems that promote accessibility and understanding. At the Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership, this is our vision.

October is health literacy month and I want to encourage you all to think of one thing that you can do before the end of the year to either improve your own health literacy or make a difference within your community or workplace.