When We Stop Reading, We Stop Thinking—And That’s a Public Health Issue
We often think of literacy as the ability to read a book, sign a form, or help a child with homework. But literacy is far more than a schoolhouse skill — it is a social determinant of health. When literacy declines, our collective capacity to think critically, make informed decisions, and advocate for ourselves also declines. And the ripple effects on public health are profound.
Literacy and Health Outcomes
The data is clear:
54% of U.S. adults read below a sixth-grade level. (National Center for Education Statistics)
Individuals with limited literacy are more likely to experience chronic conditions and struggle to manage them effectively. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Low health literacy is associated with higher rates of hospitalization, limited use of preventive services, and even reduced life expectancy. (National Institutes of Health)
In other words, literacy determines whether a patient understands a prescription label, interprets test results, or navigates a healthcare system designed around complex forms and digital portals.
Literacy Is Thinking
Literacy is not simply decoding words. It is the foundation of critical thought: connecting ideas, weighing evidence, questioning assumptions. When literacy erodes, so too does our ability to analyze, problem-solve, and resist disinformation. Public health campaigns depend on communities being able to process and trust health guidance. Policy reform requires citizens who can engage with complex information. Without literacy, the connective tissue between knowledge and action begins to fray.
More Than an Education Problem
We tend to treat literacy as an education issue — the responsibility of schools, teachers, or parents. But literacy is a matter of public health and equity. Communities with higher literacy rates are healthier, more resilient, and more engaged in civic life. Conversely, communities with low literacy carry disproportionate burdens of disease, healthcare costs, and social instability.
Where We Go From Here
Healthcare organizations must communicate in plain language, making health information truly accessible.
Employers and nonprofits should invest in adult literacy and workforce development programs.
Individuals can cultivate habits of deeper reading and critical engagement — not just with books, but with the information that shapes our daily lives.
Literacy is infrastructure. It underpins health outcomes, economic stability, and civic engagement. Protecting and strengthening literacy is not optional; it is essential to public health.
