WORCESTER COUNTY'S INTEGRATED HEALTH LITERACY PROGRAM SHARES 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR RESULTS

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.