Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the di-business domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in C:\inetpub\vhosts\floridaliteracy.org\httpdocs\blog\wp-includes\functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the di-business domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in C:\inetpub\vhosts\floridaliteracy.org\httpdocs\blog\wp-includes\functions.php on line 6114
Health Literacy Initiative: West Area Adult School | Florida Literacy Blog

Health Literacy Initiative: West Area Adult School


Lori Cabrera

Adult ESOL programs like ours at East and West Area Adult Schools in Auburndale and Lakeland, Florida serve students in many ways.  Focusing on health literacy is one way that we can have a huge impact not just on our students, but on their families as well.  As the head of the ESOL department at West Area, I knew we needed to improve the way we address health literacy in our program, because I have seen evidence of the gaps in students’ knowledge and know how dangerous that can be in their lives outside of the classroom.   This could be when there’s an emergency situation, when they need to manage a chronic disease, or they need to see a medical professional but lack the skill to communicate with him or her in English.

The Health Literacy Grant we received from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida has been a huge help in our efforts to prepare our students to deal with health situations.   We were able to purchase hands-on materials, visual aids, flip charts, and other items to help our students grasp these topics.  We purchased a new text series called “Health Stories” that we are using to help our lower-level ESOL students learn more about health.  We arranged training for twenty students in Adult CPR, and they received their certification.  We gave out health promotion materials focusing on hand washing habits, finding ways to exercise, and steps to healthier eating.  It has been a very positive experience for all of us, students and teachers alike, and we have all learned a lot in the process that will help us reach the goal of better health in the future.

Lori Cabrera
ESOL Department Head
West Area Adult School (Polk County Schools)
Lakeland, FL

For more information on Florida’s Health Literacy Initiative, please check out our website.

Have any Question or Comment?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Literacy Spotlight

Person hiding face behind a question mark

Nominate a student or volunteer from your program to be featured here! Learn more on the Spotlight page.

Sign up for E-Literacy News

Be among the first to receive news about the latest workshops, trainings, webinars, and new resources, all for free!

Recent Tweets

[fts_twitter twitter_name=floridaliteracy tweets_count=3 cover_photo=no stats_bar=no show_retweets=no show_replies=no]