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  ##  Health Literacy in America 

   [Infographic](/taxonomy/term/111)    | 21 August 2025  

 This infographic shows health literacy data for the United States and describes how libraries can help increase health literacy in their communities.



  

 

 ![](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/7bc56efb-4cb1-44f6-b946-e559e4e6427b/health-literacy-in-america-infographic.png)

 

####  Alternative Text Format |   [  Download ](javascript:void(0))  

 ### Health Literacy in America

 <a style="display:none; "> Ref Link: https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/85876</a>## Health Literacy in America

**Health literacy** is the ability to find, understand and use health information and services. Confusion about health information transcends race, gender, age, income and geography.

As trusted institutions, libraries can help increase health literacy in their communities.

## By the numbers

- **9 out of 10** adults struggle to understand and use personal and public health information.
- **Older adults (age 60+)** demonstrate the lowest health literacy of any age group. 
    - **71%** have difficulty using health information materials.
    - **80%** struggle to read forms or charts.
    - **68%** have trouble interpreting numbers and doing calculations.
- **Annual cost of low health literacy**: $238 billion
- Improving health literacy may prevent nearly **1 million** hospital visits or save more than **$25 billion a year.**

## E-health literacy

**E-health literacy** is the ability to evaluate health information from electronic sources and use the knowledge gained to address or solve a health problem.

- **96%** of American adults use the internet
- **72%** of adult internet users search for health information online

### Health information topics people search for online:

- Medical conditions and symptoms
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health
- Nutrition and diet
- Skin health
- Telemedicine
- Treatment options
- Preventative care
- Support communities
- Medical research and studies
- Fitness and exercise
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Healthcare providers

## 10 ways libraries can help

1. Provide internet access and lend **Wi-Fi hotspots.**
2. Publish a **consumer health information pathfinder** on your library website. Link to reputable websites, organizations and library resources.
3. Show people how to find reliable information using library databases, such as [**Consumer Health Ultimate**](/products/research-databases/consumer-health-ultimate)**.**
4. Distribute preventative healthcare information and promote free services, such as **flu shot clinics** or **skin cancer screenings**.
5. **Print resources** for people to take home.
6. Refer people to **local health services.**
7. Include health information resources in the **library e-newsletter.**
8. Create **book displays** on health and wellness topics.
9. Establish **partnerships** with local healthcare providers and organizations.
10. Deliver **health literacy programs** for children, teens, adults and seniors.

### Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 202024, June 21). eHealth literacy. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/researchevaluate/eHealth.html>

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 212024, October 16). Talking points about health literacy. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/shareinteract/TellOthers.html>

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 32024, October 16). Importance of health literacy. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/developmaterials/audiences/olderadults/importance.html> <https://www.cdc.gov/health-literacy/php/older-adults/importance-health-literacy.html>

Fitzpatrick, L. (2016). “Are you confused about health information? You’re not alone.” TEDxMidAtlantic. Retrieved from <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x6DLqtaK2g>

Fox, S. (2014, January 15). The social life of health information. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from <https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2014/01/15/the-social-life-of-health-information/>

Lopez, C., Kim, B. &amp; Sacks, K. (2022). Health literacy in the United States: Enhancing assessments and reducing disparities. Milken Institute. Retrieved from [https://milkeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/Health\_Literacy\_United\_States\_Final\_Report.pdf](https://milkeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/Health_Literacy_United_States_Final_Report.pdf)

National Library of Medicine. (2023, August 7). An introduction to health literacy. Network of the National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from <https://www.nnlm.gov/guides/intro-health-literacy>

Pew Research Center. (2021, April 72024, November 13). Internet/broadband fact sheet. Retrieved from <https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/>

Shahid, R., Shoker, M., Chu, L.M. et al. (2022, September 12). Impact of low health literacy on patients’ health outcomes: A multicenter cohort study. *BMC Health Services Research* *22*: 1148. Retrieved from <https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08527-9>.

United Health Group. (2020, October 26). Health literacy key to better health outcomes. Retrieved from <https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/research-reports/posts/health-literacy-research-462863.html>



 

  

 

#### Learn how Consumer Health Ultimate can support the health information needs of library patrons.



 

[Learn more](/products/research-databases/consumer-health-ultimate)

 

 

 

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