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A person's health literacy can be defined as their ability to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information. A high level of health literacy is positively correlated with better health outcomes. Despite this, nearly half of the American and European population has low health literacy. The health literacy levels of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are the lowest, suggesting health disparities are partly due to differences in health literacy levels. In order to improve health-related outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged people, it is essential to understand what conditions health literacy interventions can be applied under.In this episode, I speak with Laurie Myers, Director, ESG Strategy and Engagement at Merck, and previously held the position of Director of Global Health Literacy and Oncology Health Equity. We talk about:The importance of making medications easy to understandThe impact of low health literacyPotential barriers to improving health literacy & more! Connect with Laurie here:LinkedinTwitterBecome a supporter of The Healthy Project:DONATESupport the show
Show Notes
A person's health literacy can be defined as their ability to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information. A high level of health literacy is positively correlated with better health outcomes. Despite this, nearly half of the American and European population has low health literacy. The health literacy levels of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are the lowest, suggesting health disparities are partly due to differences in health literacy levels. In order to improve health-related outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged people, it is essential to understand what conditions health literacy interventions can be applied under.
In this episode, I speak with Laurie Myers, Director, ESG Strategy and Engagement at Merck, and previously held the position of Director of Global Health Literacy and Oncology Health Equity.
We talk about:
The importance of making medications easy to understand
The impact of low health literacy
Potential barriers to improving health literacy & more!
Connect with Laurie here:
Linkedin
Twitter
Become a supporter of The Healthy Project:
DONATE
Creators and Guests
What is The Healthy Project Podcast?
The Healthy Project Podcast explores the powerful intersection of health, society, and equity through real conversations with changemakers on the front lines of social impact. Each episode features thought leaders, researchers, and advocates who unpack how social structures — from policy to culture — shape the health of communities.
Topics we explore include:
Health equity and structural determinants
Community-driven research and innovation
Lived experiences of marginalized populations
Public policy, systemic bias, and health outcomes
Whether you're a public health professional, social science researcher, policymaker, or community advocate, this podcast brings you grounded insights, bold ideas, and practical tools to drive change where it matters most.