The Literacy and Health Project was set up to determine how reading and health problems were connected. A research phase documented the relationship between literacy and health. Information was collected from community organizations, literature review, three case studies in Ontario, and key informant interviews. The consultation process involved regional workshops across Ontario, a 2-day provincial workshop, and a strategy meeting. Findings demonstrated that virtually all health-related aspects of people with limited literacy skills were worse than for others. Illiteracy had both indirect and direct effects on health. The major impact of illiteracy on health status occurred indirectly. Illiteracy led to poor life-style practices, stress, and unhealthy living and working conditions; it also resulted in lack of access to health information and in inappropriate use of medical and health services. Three crucial areas of action were identified: a commitment to achieve literacy and health for all, a commitment to make environments healthy and safe, and a commitment to ensure equitable access to vital information. Recommendations dealt with issues of equitable access to health-related information. They involved the partnership of government, organizations, and a coordinating body. (English and French summaries of the report are found at the beginning of the report. Appendixes include a 93-item bibliography and a list of project participants. A French-language version of the report is attached.) (YLB)