In 2024, approximately 1 in 5 people in the U.S. identify as Hispanic. During this month, we commemorate the diverse cultures, and many contributions Hispanic people make to U.S. society. As part of this celebration, we highlight the results of innovative work at CDC, through its employees, to address the health needs of Hispanic populations.

The conditions in which we are born, grow, work, live, and age shape our health. Hispanic people in the U.S. often face unfair and avoidable differences in these conditions, which can sometimes lead to worse health. Two examples of such conditions are health literacy and language access.

To maintain good health, people need to understand their health risks and be informed of the best options for optimal health. This is known as health literacy. People are in the best position to make informed health decisions that are appropriate for them when they receive health information in a timely manner, from a trusted resource, and in their preferred language. This timely and appropriate access to information is known as language accessibility.

While 1 in 5 people who are Hispanic in the US speaks English well, language accessibility for health information can be challenging since there are often a lack of trusted sources with accurate information who can communicate to Hispanic communities in the manner and language they prefer. Without tailored strategies for communicating information, people with limited English proficiency (LEP), including some people who are Hispanic, may develop poor health outcomes. This can be due to low health literacy, delays in getting critical information while waiting for translation, or from misinformation or biased information.