Health Literacy Month

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama is committed to increasing the health literacy of all citizens; and

WHEREAS, health literacy is the capacity to comprehend and interpret symptoms, know when to seek professional advice or treatment and understand how to implement a plan of care prescribed by a health care provider; and

WHEREAS, individuals that are health literate are empowered to manage their health care thereby improving their understanding and management of their condition(s); and

WHEREAS, health literacy has been identified as a priority in Healthy People 2010 by the U.S. Surgeon General:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2012 as

Health Literacy Month

in the state of Alabama, and encourage physicians, nurses, volunteers and communities to promote improved health literacy to all consumers of health care.

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 9th day of October 2012.

 

Robert Bentley, Governor