- September 19, 2024
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from: Shari DeMayo
Early Education Program Facilitator, Flagler Technical College
Flagler Technical College is one of 14 programs around the state to receive a one-year, $5,000 grant for the implementation of a health literacy program to benefit its Adult General Education, ESOL, and Early Childhood Education students.
This grant, awarded by Florida Blue Foundation and the Florida Literacy Coalition, will integrate health and nutrition information into Flagler Technical College’s curriculum. More than 21,000 students from programs throughout Florida have benefited from this grant program initiative since 2009. More than 19,000 students from programs throughout Florida have benefited from this Initiative since 2009.
According to the National Adult Assessment of Literacy, 14% of Americans cannot comprehend basic health information. The study indicates that health illiteracy is especially prevalent among: 1) adults who did not complete high school, with 49% having below basic health literacy, and 2) foreign-born adults who speak English as their second language.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important for people to be informed about good health practices and available resources. People who lack literacy and health literacy skills are much more likely to use medications incorrectly, have at least one chronic disease, spend more time in the hospital, and are four times more likely to have poor health than people with higher health literacy skills. The potential for cost savings and improved health outcomes are significant. Adult education, literacy and family literacy programs can play an important role in helping people to acquire these skills.
“Learning how to navigate the health care system is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle,” said Renee Stauffacher, Director of Flagler Technical College. “We are excited to be able to implement this curriculum into our programs here at FTC. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently upon us, this grant is helping our students communicate with health care professionals not only for themselves, but also for their families and friends.”
More information is available on the Florida Literacy Coalition’s website at floridaliteracy.org For questions, please contact Heather Surrency at [email protected].
