Berlin, Md.
– Atlantic General Hospital and Health System, along with its partners,
the Herschel S. Horowitz Center for Health Literacy at the University
of Maryland College Park School of Public Health and Worcester County
Public Schools, have made additional strides in their efforts to improve
the health literacy of elementary and middle school students in Worcester County.
Health literacy is measured by an individual’s ability to obtain,
process and understand basic health information and services needed to
make appropriate health decisions. A high level of health literacy is
crucial to achieving a healthy lifestyle and properly utilizing healthcare services.
“Improving the health literacy of the next generation is critical
to the adoption of healthier lifestyles and proper utilization of healthcare
services. Individuals have to understand basic health principles before
they can become active and effective partners in their own care. We’re
very pleased with the positive outcomes of this program in its first three
years, and we look forward to helping create a healthy community,” said Michael Franklin, CEO of Atlantic General Hospital.
During the 2016-2017 school year, the IHLP has been implemented in grades
1-6 county-wide and is currently being piloted in grades 7 and 8 at Stephen
Decatur Middle School. The program serves approximately 3,500 students.
To learn more about the health literacy program please visit
www.atlanticgeneral.org/healthliteracy.
About Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the
residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) counties
since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated
community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md.,
combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology
and services. It provides quality specialty care such as weight loss surgery,
orthopedics, outpatient infusion and chemotherapy for individuals with
cancer or blood/autoimmune disorders, and a comprehensive women’s
diagnostic center. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more
than 40 primary care providers and specialists, care for residents and
visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General
Hospital, visit
www.atlanticgeneral.org.