September 3, 2024
The Health Education and Literacy (HEAL) Orange County initiative is taking significant steps to address health literacy among underserved communities in Orange County. Leading this effort are Latonya Brown, Wellness Coordinator for the Orange County Department on Aging; David Silfen, retired Deputy Operations Manager for Orange County EMS and current EMS Program Director at Durham Technical Community College; and UNC School of Nursing faculty members Kandyce Brennan, DNP, CNM, Tracy Vernon-Platt, DNP, ANP-BC, and Rachel McInerney, DNP, FNP-BC.
“This initiative is more than just education—it’s about building a healthier, more informed community,” says Latonya Brown, emphasizing the broader mission of HEAL. The program brings together local partners like Jonathan Barrett, Practice Manager of Healthcare Operations at UNC Physicians Network, and Maria Sanchez, Health Promotion Coordinator for El Centro Hispano, to deliver critical health education and support to those who need it most.
HEAL focuses on making complex health information understandable and accessible, particularly for the aging population. It offers personalized health consultations, medication management education, and group discussions designed to empower individuals to manage their health effectively. The program also engages healthcare students from the UNC School of Nursing, the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and the Gillings School of Public Health, fostering a collaborative learning environment that benefits the community.
Monthly events at the Passmore, Cedar Grove, and Seymour Centers serve as key components of HEAL’s outreach, providing spaces for group learning and individual sessions with healthcare professionals. These events help participants better understand their health conditions, improve self-advocacy, adopt healthier lifestyles, and reduce the anxiety and isolation often associated with health challenges.
In August, FNP student Courtney Shanahan led an educational session on the importance of exercise for individuals with chronic illnesses. She used visuals and practical examples to demonstrate safe, low-impact exercises while also addressing common misconceptions about exercising with chronic conditions. Interpreters were available to assist in Spanish and Mandarin.
In addition to face-to-face interactions, HEAL integrates health technology like MyChart and provides tools such as iPads to help participants access and understand their health information more easily.
HEAL’s efforts have earned recognition, including the Bill and Mary Lou Booth Community Service and Outreach Award and The Dean’s Pilot Grant. These awards support HEAL in continuing its impactful work, promoting health awareness and empowerment throughout Orange County.
