Horowitz Center for Health Literacy
The Center provides research, education, and service to improve health literacy at the individual, family, community, organization, and society levels. We aim to advance health literacy in Maryland and nationwide. The Center was endowed and honors the legacy of Dr. Herschel S. Horowitz, a prominent scientist, educator, and public health advocate.
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Upcoming Events
Monday, October 5, 2026 @10 AM EST | Webinar - Advancing Health Literacy in Maryland with the Health Literacy Organizational Seal Program Part 2
Join the Maryland Hub team for a discussion of the application process and the lessons learned about the Health Literacy Organizational Seal. Dr. Cynthia Baur, Director of the Horowitz Center, and Lindsay Rosenfeld, PhD, consultant on the Seal program, will review what the Hub team has learned from organizations participating in the pilot Seal program, the updated application process, and how your organization can implement health literacy in your organization, even if it’s not ready for the full Seal. Register now!
Most Popular Tools
Organizational Seal
The Health Literacy Organizational Seal Program recognizes organizations that show they meet criteria to make health information and services easy to find and use. The Seal is available at Levels 1, 2, and 3, reflecting an increasing commitment to and implementation of health literacy practices. Organizations can choose which level to apply for. The Seal is trademarked by the University of Maryland.
Education
Educators and trainers play a key role in preparing health professionals to communicate clearly with diverse audiences. Explore tools and resources to support health literacy education for students, clinicians, and Community Health Workers.
Plain Language
The Hub's Maryland Plain Language Checklist helps agencies create and revise content using clear communication practices to support compliance with the plain language requirements in the Hub law.
Why Health Literacy is a Core Educational Competency
Chancellor Jay Perman, MD
Dr. Perman recorded the video below to open the first-ever meeting of University System of Maryland (USM) campus representatives to discuss health literacy educational activities. He explained his own experience seeing health literacy issues up close as a practicing pediatric gastroenterologist and the significance of health literacy as part of a USM education. The USM group intends to meet twice a year to share information and best practices in health literacy education and student opportunities.
Latest Publications
CHWs and family-focused diabetes education and support
This research study focuses on culturally tailored, family-focused diabetes self-management education and support interventions with community health workers (CHWs) support among Black families with pre-diabetes and diabetes.
CHWs and communication competencies in emergencies
This study examines how community health workers (CHWs) developed and applied communication competencies to support Latine communities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHWs and building community trust
This study explores how community health workers (CHWs) foster trust, strengthen relationships, and support Latino communities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Featured Projects
HealthyMe/MiSalud
The Center is funded by NIH to develop and test HealthyMe/MiSalud, a smartphone application in English and Spanish to help African American and Hispanic adults set health goals, ask questions, and get personalized information about common health conditions and preventive services.
Diabetes Prevention
The Center leads and participates in multiple diabetes prevention projects in Maryland. We work with the Maryland Department of Health, local health departments, and Local Health Improvement Coalitions to implement the Maryland Diabetes Action Plan.
Oral Health
The Center leads and participates in many projects to educate the public, providers, and policymakers about oral health diseases and conditions and how to prevent them.