Center for Health Literacy
Health literacy is the ability for consumers to use spoken and written language to understand and act on health information. Enabling health literacy is essential, because difficult-to-read materials can result in:
- Poor health outcomes
- Inappropriate and expensive use of services
- Higher administrative costs
The MAXIMUS Center for Health Literacy develops easy-to-read print materials and easy-to-use websites so that governments and public health services organizations can communicate effectively with their consumers. The benefits of working with the Center for Health Literacy include:
- Informed consumers capable of making meaningful choices
- Improved health outcomes
- Reduced administrative and health care costs
- Streamlined processes
Writing, Design, and Web Design
We invite your to view our Health Literacy Portfolio. Almost half of the American public, including many Medicaid clients, have difficulty comprehending and using information developed above the eighth-grade reading level. However, most health-related materials are written at a tenth-grade level or even higher. The Center for Health Literacy writes in plain language, using common words that most readers can understand. We use clear and consistent design that promotes readability. More...
Usability and Community Testing
Our research with your consumers ensures that your health information materials are easy to read, easy to use, and culturally relevant. More...
Translation Services
We translate materials into any language, and adapt translations for readers with limited literacy skills. We also offer consulting services about language access, and strategies to support bilingual staff. More...
Training and Workshops
We can teach your staff writers, designers, and Web developers how to improve the comprehensibility of print materials and usability of websites. More...