During the month of October, we have been honoring our own Health Literacy Hero’s for the work they’re doing to bridge the gap in understandable healthcare. As we come to the end of Health Literacy Month, we wanted to provide information about the amazing woman responsible for the Health Literacy Month Organization.

Health Literacy Month was started by Helen Osborne 20 years ago in April 1999 to encourage organizations and individuals to promote the importance of understandable health information. Over the years, Helen continues to expand on her efforts and launched Health Literacy Consulting where she offers a variety of services and resources including: workshops, panel conversations, how-to tips, a “Health Literacy from A to Z” book, and the Health Literacy Out Loud Podcasts.

We had the chance to have a brief conversation with Helen to learn a little about her on a personal level. What does she do when she isn’t busy juggling all the different aspects of Health Literacy Month? Continue reading to learn more about Helen Osborne.

1. What upcoming events will you be attending?

I’m very proud to be accepting the Walter C. Alvarez award for Excellence in Health Communications from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). This is an annual convention in Orlando Florida on November 2, 2017.

After the conference there will be a breakout session lead by myself on podcasting.

2. When you aren’t busy working, what are some of the things you enjoy doing in your free time?

During my free time I enjoy playing duplicate bridge, going on walks, reading, spending quality time with family and friends, I’ve done flame working with glass for years (although I don’t do that as much now). I became an occupational therapist because I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to be a doctor or an artist. Occupational therapy kind of brings the arts to medicine. I never did become the doctor or the artist. But I truly feel that my work in health literacy brings that creativity full circle.

Over the course of the month we had the opportunity to talk to many Health Literacy Hero’s and hear about some of the work they’re doing in the industry. Click the link below to watch a few of our Health Literacy Month Hero Interviews. Health Literacy Month is coming to an end; however, that doesn’t mean that promoting the importance of understandable health information has to stop. We encourage you as an individual or an organization to keep this discussion going all year.

Health Literacy Month Hero Interviews