Plain Language: The First Responder for Health Communications
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 11 am–1 pm Eastern
Registration is open!
Join us on October 15 for a special International Plain Language Day event: an exciting discussion on making health communications clear, useful, and accessible.
Plain language saves time, reduces stress, and helps people make informed health decisions. When people face medical challenges, they need information they can trust—and understand—right away.
What you’ll learn
In this engaging webinar, our panel of health literacy experts will:
- Share case studies from healthcare and public health.
- Discuss the real-world challenges of writing for patients and caregivers.
- Provide tools and resources you can use in your own work.
Whether you write for patients, providers, or the public, you’ll walk away with strategies to put your readers first and make health information clearer and more effective.
Speakers
Moderator:
Katie Leath
Director, Center for Health Literacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Science
Katie Leath, Director of Center for Health Literacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Science: Katie specializes in making health information easier to understand and use — bringing together more than a decade of experience in public health, health literacy, and communication. Her work focuses on plain language writing, health education, research, and training to support clearer communication across health organizations. Katie serves as Director of the UAMS Center for Health Literacy and as a board member for the Center for Plain Language, where she leds efforts to improve how people access and act on vital health information.
Panelists:
Gina Lachuk
Senior Health Literacy Consultant, Alberta Health Services
Gina Lachuk, Senior Health Literacy Consultant, Alberta Health Services Gina is a Senior Health Literacy Consultant with the Alberta Health Services MyHealth.Alberta.ca team. She has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare project management, communications, and quality and patient safety education. Her passion for health literacy and plain language has been foundational in each of these roles. She has worked extensively in adult learning and instructional design. Gina enjoys reading, yoga, and watching movies.
Dave Bartkowiak
Manager of Digital Content Strategy, Henry Ford Health
Dave Bartkowiak, Manager of Digital Content Strategy, Henry Ford Health Dave is the Manager of Digital Content Strategy at Henry Ford Health, where he leads initiatives to enhance user experience and drive engagement through thoughtful content strategy. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Plain Language, advocating for clear communication in healthcare and beyond. Dave holds a Master of Science in Information Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, blending strategic insight with storytelling expertise.
Stan Hudson, MA, CDFT
Director of Professional Development and Training, Institute for Healthcare Advancement
Stan Hudson, MA, CDFT, Director of Professional Development and Training, Institute for Healthcare Advancement Stan Hudson, MA, CDFT, is a nationally recognized trainer and speaker with over 20 years of experience teaching and advancing health literacy. As Director of Professional Development and Training at the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA), Stan designs and delivers high-impact learning experiences for professionals across healthcare, public health, and benefits administration. Known for his engaging, accessible presentation style, he translates complex health literacy concepts into practical, actionable strategies. Stan has led workshops, keynote sessions, and national training initiatives that help organizations strengthen communication, reduce barriers, and improve outcomes for the people they serve.
Event details
- When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 11 am–1 pm Eastern
- Where: Zoom (link provided after registration)
- Fee: $45 for Center members | $55 for non-members
Not a member yet? Join today to get a member discount and connect with a network of professionals focused on advancing plain language.
Can’t attend live?
No problem. All registrants will receive a recording of the session.