Even the most basic tasks related to health care can seem impossible when the language and the system are unfamiliar. The 20 Spanish-speaking mothers in the Family Literacy program learn how to manage these challenges in English, resulting in better access to vital medical care for their children and their families.
“I was impressed with how effective the instruction was,” said Laney Durland, an ESL teacher at ACLAMO who specializes in the Health Literacy curriculum. “Many of the mothers have said it has helped them have more confidence in making appointments, and going to appointments and talking with the doctor.”
Funded by a generous $25,000 grant from The Aetna Foundation, the Health Literacy curriculum covered many important topics during the more than 50 hours of instruction last year. The students learned how to handle each step of a visit to the doctor, such as how to make and change appointments by telephone, how to give an accurate medical history, how to describe body parts and illness symptoms, and how to ask follow-up questions. They also learned about medicine and prescriptions, such as the medication’s purpose, instructions and dosage, even how to measure a teaspoon and tablespoon.
Other topics covered included nutrition and the importance of a healthy diet, especially in relationship to avoiding common conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. The students learned about the hazards of lead poisoning and how to keep their children safe from exposure, as well as how to avoid other household hazards. A dentist explained to the mothers and the children how to brush and maintain healthy teeth.
ACLAMO teachers also explained how to navigate the basics of the health care system, including how to fill out forms, vaccination records, and how to apply for medical insurance for their children.