1. Promoting Health Literacy Among Adolescents
Oklahoma Health 101
Promoting Health Literacy Among Adolescents

2. Problem Existing Chronic Illness in Oklahoma Lack of Health Literacy
Continued Poor Health Outcomes
Heart Disease Deaths*
250.4 vs (US)
Diabetes Deaths*
30.3 vs 24.6 (US)
Fruit/Veggie Consumption
16.3% vs 24.4%
No Physical Activity
29.6% vs 22.6%
* Per 100,000
Percentage of schools in OK that taught a required health education course:
7th grade = 24%
8th grade = 22%
9th grade = 5%
10th grade = 4%
11th grade = 2%
12th grade = 3%
If education is not brought into the picture, the prevalence of chronic illnesses will persist or increase in severity.

3. Proposed Solution
Higher Education Forum of NE Oklahoma
OU School of Community Medicine
McLain High School
Health Literacy Program
The goal of the Higher Ed Forum is to develop collaborative and innovative strategies to coordinate, integrate and support the education pipeline by linking high schools to colleges through service learning projects, internships and career exploration.
“Improving the Health of Entire Communities”
McLain High School was selected because of its ongoing relationship with OU-Tulsa and our ability to reach out to high school age students in an underserved area of our community.
Highlights of Health Literacy Program:
Basic anatomy
Nutrition
Exercise
Reproductive health
Oklahoma disease awareness and prevention
Proactive Patient Skills

4. Expected Results Increased Active Role in One’s Healthcare
Decreased Rate of Chronic Disease
Increased Active Role in One’s Healthcare
Positive Health Outcomes
Health Literacy in Action
Responsible and Proactive Patients
Education can lead to decreases in rates of chronic disease and an increased role in one’s healthcare will lead to positive health outcomes for our entire community.