What is health literacy?
Health literacy means knowing how to find, understand, and use health information to make the best choices for themselves and others.
Why is health literacy important?
Health literacy is important because it helps people understand health information, make choices that help them stay healthy, and get the care they need. Health literacy helps people take care of their health by understanding care instructions, noticing problems early, and staying safe. It also saves money, makes care fairer for everyone, and gives people the confidence to ask questions and make the best health decisions for themselves
Who needs health literacy?
Everyone does! Health literacy isn’t just for people who speak another language or didn’t go to college. Even people who read well and understand numbers can have a hard time with health information, especially when they feel worried, scared, or confused.
Next time you’re at the doctor, don’t be afraid to ask your health team to “Say it simply!”
Events and activities 2025
Coloring contest
Health Literacy Pop-Up Booths
- Orange — Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 to 8 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bill Holmes second-floor lobby
- Mission — Tuesday, Oct. 7, starting at 10 a.m. in the fifth-floor lobby
- San Diego — Monday, Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in front of the ACP Building
Dear Hospital Pop-Up at Orange Hospital
- Visit the display in the Bill Holmes Lobby
- Open from Friday, Oct. 10, to Friday, Oct. 17.
Storytime with Lois at Orange Hospital
- Thursday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m. at the Family Resource Center
- Enjoy a fun story with our resident dog
Patient and Family Health Literacy Toolkit
Check out our toolkit to learn more about health literacy.
Get Involved! Help spread the word! Download and share the Health Literacy Month flyer with your family, friends, and community to promote awareness and participation.
Disclaimer: Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego have united under a combined nonprofit parent organization called Rady Children’s Health. This page may include links to both CHOC and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego websites.