MI SR0141

Recognizes October 2024 as Health Literacy Month in Michigan, following international recognition since 1999 and adoption by 13 states and federal organizations including the CDC, NIH, and HHS.

Documents that the American Medical Association identifies limited health literacy as a stronger predictor of poor health outcomes than age, race, education level, socioeconomic status, or employment status.

Notes that approximately 9 in 10 Americans have limited health literacy, and unaddressed limited health literacy costs the U.S. healthcare system between $106 to 238 billion annually.

Associates limited health literacy with increased sentinel events, worse health status, reduced preventative care, greater emergency department use, and shorter life expectancy.

Urges all Michiganders to use October 2024 to educate themselves about health literacy and encourages efforts to increase public awareness of its importance to achieving health equity.