Governor McMaster recognizes Health Literacy Month with Proclamation

October is Health Literacy Month—a time we promote practices and policies that enable patients to easily understand health information and use it to make decisions about their health.

When people do not understand health information, they are more likely to use avoidable emergency care services, skip preventative screenings and shots, or not follow treatment plans.

But health literacy is about more than just patient literacy skills. It is about health professionals’ communication skills. It is also about a healthcare system that supports patient and caregiver learning.

Health professionals play a significant role in health literacy. They can make sure written health information given to patients is readable, understandable, and actionable. Health professionals can also avoid using complicated language and medical jargon when talking with patients.

To learn more about how to become involved in health literacy activities in South Carolina, please email Joy Deupree, Associate Dean for Practice at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing.