REGAINING MOMENTUM - SUMMER 2022 REGAINING MOMENTUM - SUMMER 2022
GDC Partners With Mercer University School of Medicine
Health Literacy Program Provides Offenders with New Tools for Success
The Georgia Department of Corrections ( GDC ) has partnered with Mercer University School of Medicine to offer a volunteer-led initiative designed to provide health education literacy to the offender population . The Health , Education , and Literacy in Prison ( HELP ) program was developed by two third-year Mercer medical students and is currently being taught at Central State Prison ( SP ), with the first cohort consisting of eight offenders . The 5-week program covers common health topics such as blood pressure , mental and physical wellness , health communication , health insurance overview , and preventive care .
“ Our goal is to provide returning citizens with the necessary knowledge that will allow them to easily renter into their communities upon release ,” said Commissioner Timothy C . Ward . “ Our partners at Mercer University School of Medicine have given the offenders another tool to assist them in their reentry process .”
The GDC recognizes that improving one ’ s health literacy contributes to an enhanced overall self-care and health status . Providing offenders health literacy knowledge allows them to prepare themselves better as they return to society . The agency and Mercer University School of Medicine will conduct three more courses this year at Central SP , with plans to expand the HELP program to more facilities across the state .
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