Bill > HR0199

This resolution declares October 2025 as Health Literacy Month in Michigan, highlighting the critical importance of health literacy based on several key findings. The resolution notes that the American Medical Association recognizes limited health literacy as a stronger predictor of poor health outcomes than factors like age, race, or education, and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 9 in 10 Americans have limited health literacy skills. The document emphasizes that limited health literacy represents a significant economic burden, potentially costing the U.S. healthcare system between $106 to $238 billion annually, and is associated with increased health risks such as higher emergency department usage, reduced preventative care, and shorter life expectancy. The resolution points out that health literacy involves both personal ability to understand health information and organizational capacity to provide clear, accessible health communication, and it aligns with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy People 2030 goals of eliminating health disparities and improving overall health. By officially recognizing Health Literacy Month, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the importance of clear health communication and its potential to improve health outcomes for Michigan residents.

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HR-0199