Atlantic General rolls-out next phase of health literacy program

Atlantic General’s health literacy program teaches students about health while they’re learning the usual subjects like math and science.     

We’re told it’s been going well and it’s now set for a larger roll-out in Worcester County.

Students were tested in January to get baseline scores about their knowledge of a healthy lifestyle. They’ll be tested again after the curriculum in June to see how much they’ve learned. Educators are currently teaching the program in the classrooms. 

An example of the curriculum, would be a word problem in math class. The students could be learning multiplication, but the subject matter has to do with making healthy choices.

Hospital officials say the pilot program, that hasn’t even been in effect for a year yet at Ocean City Elementary, has gone very well.  

Tracy Hunter, the health literacy liaison with Atlantic General Hospital says, “It has exceeded everyone’s expectations. Atlantic General is pleased with how well the school system, the parents, the students, and in particular the classroom teachers have bought into this innovative program.”

The roll-out is new to Showell, Buckingham, Snow Hill, and Pocomoke Elementary School. It is also new to Snow Hill and Pocomoke Middle School.

To learn more about the health literacy program visit atlanticgeneral.org.