House Bill 3041 has created a pilot program for up to six Head Start sites to implement a health literacy curriculum (Posted 06/10/09)
ON THE GOVERNOR’S DESK
Six Pilot Programs across the State
HEALTH LITERACY PROGRAMS
for Head Start parents
Head Start locations are an ideal place to reach out to parents, and House Bill 3041 has created a pilot program for up to six Head Start sites to implement a health literacy curriculum that shares information with parents about preventative care for common ailments their children will naturally pick up. Oh those runny noses!
HB3041 - which has passed both houses by large majorities - targets a specific program, but the Omnibus HB2009 is where the main action is and Salem is moving fast!
Both California and Washington have limited programs to provide training to Head Start staff and information to parents about common ailments, such as colds and chicken pox. The goals are healthier children and reduced demands for costly emergency room treatments by making parents more aware of when and where to seek medical treatment for their children.
“This program will complement the work we’re doing this session to expand access to health care and control costs,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Health care reform is a top priority of our caucus and we’re making huge strides..”