b'Health Literacy and Communication Increase the degree to which community members can obtain,process, and understand basic health information and servicesneeded to make appropriate health decisions.The ability to read, understand, ask questions, and make decisions about ones health is paramount to successful health outcomes. Healthy people and healthy communities need health communication strategies to make decisions about healthy choices. In the clinicalsetting, health communication includes the interpersonal relationship between health-care providers and patients, which influencesa patients ability to understand their needs and take appropriate actions toward optimal health. Patients who do not understand their needs are less likely to receive timely screenings and diagnoses, and less likely to understand important care instructions such as reading prescriptions and understanding how to care for their health issues.Engaging Our Community In Health1188222_CMC2.indd 13 2/1/10 12:26 PM'