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.
Spotlight on Graduate Student Opportunities
The Horowitz Center welcomes and supports students in many roles, including internships and assistantships.
- Rima E. Rudd Research Award in Health Literacy is for doctoral students while working on their dissertation.
- Health Literacy Graduate Assistantship 2024-2027 is for an incoming doctoral student in public health, communication, information studies, or journalism.
- Visit our student page for more opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Upcoming Events
Webinar December 4, 2023 10-11 AM ET
Title: Safer, Higher Quality Healthcare through Health Literacy Tools: Highlights and Insights
Join the Maryland Consumer Health Information Hub for a special presentation from Cindy Brach, health literacy and cultural competence expert at the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Ms. Brach has led AHRQ health literacy and cultural competence program for two decades and takes a look back and forward at how health literacy insights and tools inform the ways we implement healthcare quality and safety initiatives. She also co-leads the HHS health literacy workgroup and has been a member and leader of many other health literacy activities.
In-person Meeting January 10, 2024 Maryland Eastern Shore Hub Meeting
Join Maryland colleagues to network, share information and gain professional development skills in plain language and language access. Click here to see the agenda and register!
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.
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.
Latest News
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.