Racial and ethnic minority populations experience health disparities. This includes higher rates of COVID-19 cases and death.

We know that health literacy is a powerful tool to bring greater health equity. That is why we are excited to see the White House invest in a new health literacy grant program.

This spring, Vice President Harris announced a $250 million grant program focused on boosting health literacy. It will help ensure underserved communities have accurate information about COVID-19 and vaccines.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will fund 30 projects in cities communities and 43 projects in rural communities. Local governments were able to apply for grants earlier this spring. The winning projects should be announced in the coming weeks.

Recipients will identify communities at the highest risk for health disparities and low health literacy. Then they will create a health literacy plan and partner with community groups to increase knowledge of COVID-19 safety guidelines and the vaccines available.

Learn more about the program here.