Enhancing Health Literacy in Urban Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 56
  In Roundtable Session: Transforming Schools Into Healthy Learning Environments: An Examination of Behavior and Wellness Disproportionalities

Abstract

Too commonly, access to health information and services is limited, especially in low-income and culturally-diverse, urban school communities. Even when available, health information is often confusing or not applicable to parents and caregivers. This mixed-methods case study focused on the Institute for Health Advancement’s (IHA) Health Literacy Text Initiative, an advocacy program designed to better inform urban parents and families about critical health issues, how to assess symptoms, and when to seek proper treatment. More specifically, this study examined the dynamics and efficacy of using health literacy text to empower urban parents to assist their families towards health and wellness, to minimize unnecessary student absences, and to maximize opportunities for a healthy environment for elementary school-aged children.

Authors

• Anthony Collatos, Pepperdine University

• Doug Leigh, Pepperdine University