Parents say, 'Yes, we can'

[March 23, 2010]  Approximately 30 parents from the Community Action Head Start program participated in the national "I Can Keep My Child Healthy" literacy initiative on Feb. 27. Community Action Head Start was selected from over 100 programs to receive the grant.

Parents participated in hands-on sessions including proper medicine dosing and healthy meal preparation. The importance of good oral hygiene and information on signs and symptoms of various childhood illnesses were also presented. Presenters included Amy Hyde, U of I Extension; Mary Southerlan, HOPE Mobile dental hygienist; Holly Woodhall, ALMH pharmacist; and Patty Quent, ALMH emergency room nurse. Parents received a resource book, "What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick," and a variety of health-related items donated by local businesses.

The "I Can" health literacy project is funded through a joint collaboration with the UCLA School of Management and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation. The 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 project covers a two-year period in which families are trained, supported by Community Action’s family services staff, and data is kept and monitored to determine the impact of the project.

"Community Action Head Start is committed to providing quality education opportunities and service to both the children and families enrolled on the Head Start program. We are confident that our participation in the 'I Can' health literacy project will empower parents to make informed decisions," said Beth Fleshman, Head Start director.

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois serves the low-income and senior populations of six Illinois counties. For more information, visit www.capcil.org.

[Text from file received from Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]