The Center provides research, education, and service to improve health literacy at the individual, family, community, organization, and society levels. We aim to advance health literacy in Maryland and nationwide.
Four resources ground our work: Healthy People 2030 health literacy definitions, Federal Plain Language Guidelines, CDC's Clear Communication Index, and Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards.
The Center was endowed and honors the legacy of Dr. Herschel S. Horowitz, a prominent scientist, educator, and public health advocate.
Public Health Research at Maryland 2022
We are excited to participate in the Public Health Research at Maryland Event! Join us during the week of April 4th to learn about health literacy research. Check out the panel descriptions to read more about our involvement.
Health literacy expertise and resources, Maryland House Bill 1082
Learn about HB1082 in the Maryland General Assembly, a bill that helps the Horowitz Center provide health literacy expertise and resources to organizations throughout Maryland.
Horowitz Center COVID-19 communications work
The Center provides health literacy and risk communication expertise on COVID-19. We use mass and social media, public presentations, community outreach, and expert consults.
Why Health Literacy is a Core Educational Competency
Chancellor Jay Perman, MD
Dr. Perman recorded the video below to open the first-ever meeting of University System of Maryland (USM) campus representatives to discuss health literacy educational activities. He explained his own experience seeing health literacy issues up close as a practicing pediatric gastroenterologist and the significance of health literacy as part of a USM education. The USM group intends to meet twice a year to share information and best practices in health literacy education and student opportunities.
Latest News
Health Literacy in Action Conference
The Horowitz Center and the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA) co-sponsor an annual Health Literacy in Action Conference for health literacy professionals and newcomers. The purpose of the conference is to connect ongoing health literacy research, policy, and practice. Featured speakers discuss their work in the field in plenary sessions and then attendees can join smaller breakout groups for more specialized topics. You can find more information about the 2021 convening on the conference website.
Featured Projects
HealthyMe/MiSalud
The Center is funded by NIH to develop and test HealthyMe/MiSalud, a smartphone application in English and Spanish to help African American and Hispanic adults set health goals, ask questions, and get personalized information about common health conditions and preventive services.
Diabetes Prevention
The Center leads and participates in multiple diabetes prevention projects in Maryland. We work with the Maryland Department of Health, local health departments, and Local Health Improvement Coalitions to implement the Maryland Diabetes Action Plan.
Oral Health
The Center leads and participates in many projects to educate the public, providers, and policymakers about oral health diseases and conditions and how to prevent them.