Literacy and Public Health: Why America's Reading Crisis is a National Health Emergency

Literacy is a foundational determinant of health that influences an individual's ability to acquire, understand, evaluate, and apply information throughout life. Recent national assessments demonstrate significant declines in reading proficiency among both children and adults in the United States, raising concerns that extend beyond education into public health. Literacy and health literacy are closely linked to healthcare navigation, preventive health behaviors, chronic disease management, employment opportunities, and informed decision-making. At the same time, rapid technological change has transformed how information is accessed and consumed, increasing exposure to fragmented digital content and misinformation while potentially reducing opportunities for deep reading, sustained attention, and critical analysis. This review examines the relationship between literacy, health literacy, and health outcomes, highlighting literacy as an essential component of population health. Recognizing literacy as a modifiable social determinant of health creates opportunities for coordinated action across education, healthcare, public health, and policy sectors. Investments in literacy development across the lifespan may represent one of the most effective and equitable strategies for improving health outcomes, strengthening community resilience, and advancing population health.