I have edited the Journal of Health Communication for over 15 years. Since the Journal began, we have witnessed a field that has blossomed with science-, ethics-, and evidence-based approaches to improve the health and well-being of people throughout the world.
Given the intersection and developments with health literacy scholarship and potential, we have been interested in developing a supplement on health literacy for some time.
I am proud of the quality of this issue, the editor's fine work, and the support of authors and supporters. The timeliness of this issue of the Journal is salient for efforts at the national and global level. The 2010 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced its National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy. The Action Plan followed upon the heels of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111–148 (aka health reform), that integrates health literacy in the law of the land.
Furthermore, the United Nations approved a Ministerial Declaration in 2009 “stressing the need to enhance health literacy as an important factor in ensuring significant health outcomes through development of appropriate action plans.” This has developed into action plans in China, European countries, and others throughout the world. Additionally, health literacy ideals are integrated in the U.N. Secretary General's initiative on Women and Children's Health destined to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in 2015.
With the challenges to advance health literacy at this crucial time and to impact health outcomes, I am especially pleased this Journal offers the latest knowledge and developments for academia, thought leaders, policymakers, communication experts, and others interested in advancing health.
It is my hope that these articles—from the U.S. Surgeon General, to the United Nations/World Health Organization, to the many academics (assembled by guest editors Michael Paasche-Orlow, Lauren McCormack, and Elizabeth Wilson)—will provide readers with evidence for advocating ethical application of health literacy and related interventions so that the ideal of a health literate populace becomes a reality during our lifetime. With health literacy, we can advance a legacy that we can leave for future generations.