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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Janis McWayne, PhD, MPH, CHES, Health, Francis Marion University, 4822 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506, 843.661.1467, jmcwayne@fmarion.edu and Tammy Pawloski, PhD, Francis Marion University Center of Excellence, Francis Marion University, 4822 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506.

The purpose of the Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty is to increase the academic achievement and health of children of poverty by improving the quality of teacher preparation, and the professional development of in-service teachers. The Center is located in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Statewide, the median poverty index is 65.7%. Ten of the Pee Dee's 18 districts rank in the highest quarter of districts statewide in terms of the poverty index. For these counties, the range of poverty indices is from 82.9% to 94.7%. Local health clinic data showed that free services and screenings were underutilized by community residents. The focus of this project was to assess the knowledge of school district employees in regard to community health resources. A phone survey of teachers and administrators was conducted to learn which community health resources were utilized for referral. Results showed that survey respondents were lacking knowledge and awareness of local community resources. Following the survey, Center staff developed a Health Resources Manual and provided training in regard to signs and symptoms of health concerns and delivered manuals listing resources for school district employees in an effort to raise awareness of health concerns and resources for referral. It was expected that the trainings and manuals would increase use of available free screenings and reduce emergency department visits. Building local capacity among schools, families, and communities will increase the academic achievement of children of poverty through education, health promotion, and disease prevention efforts.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, participants will be able to recognize the importance of educating educators regarding accessible community health resources.
• At the end of the session, participants will be able to discuss strategies that teachers use to promote health among students.
• At the end of the session, participants will be able to articulate the importance of building local capacity to improve health and education outcomes.

Keywords: Child Health Promotion, Education

Related Web page: www.fmucenterofexcellence.org/fmu/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No