 Project goals are to provide training and information to parents,
enable parents to become better caregivers by improving health care
knowledge and skills, empower parents’ decision-making regarding
health care, and contribute to reducing escalating health care
costs.The "I Can" health literacy project began in 2001 in
Missouri, and over 10,000 families have been trained in 38 states.
Research data has shown dramatic impact on families as parents
receive information and training regarding health care for their
children. Missed workdays for parents show a decrease of 42 percent.
Also data shows that missed days of school for children decreased by
29 percent. A dramatic drop of 58 percent in unnecessary trips to
the emergency room, coupled with a 43 percent drop in unnecessary
trips to the doctor’s office, translates into a cost savings per
family per year of $554.72.
Beth Fleshman, Head Start director, commented: "We are eager to
provide this health literacy training to our parents. The benefits
the ‘I Can’ project has demonstrated since the initial 2001 pilot
project began are immeasurable as the self-sufficiency of parents in
this critical area is enhanced."
Community Action will train 100 Head Start parents on Feb. 27.
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Any organization or individuals who would like to partner with
Community Action in this health care initiative should call Fleshman
at 217-732-2159, ext. 249. Donations of goods or services would be
greatly appreciated as the agency works toward improving the health
literacy of the Head Start families.
Community Action serves the low-income and senior populations of
six central Illinois counties. For more information, visit
www.capcil.org.
[Text from file received from
Community Action Partnership of
Central Illinois]'
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