Utilizing Health Literacy to Empower Latino Adolescents.

Latinos are a minority population that experience many healthcare disparities that impact their access to health-related services. Improvement of health literacy is one way that healthcare providers can positively influence health outcomes within this population. Changes in educational curriculum have limited student's exposure to health information and created a gap in knowledge. A presentation regarding health literacy and advocacy was created for a group of Latino adolescents at a metro area high school. The presentation was offered in English, providing education on how to obtain health information from reputable sources, best words to describe symptoms of illness, and tips to successfully advocate for family members who may have difficulty communicating in English. The overall experience of the students was positive and impactful based on engagement and anecdotal feedback. The hope is to continue to partner with community organizations and improve health literacy among Latino adolescents and their families.