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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Celebrate Health Literacy Week
January 29, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2015
Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111
~ Department of Health Volunteers Read to more than 11,000 students Statewide ~
TALLAHASSEE—Celebrate Literacy Week is observed January 26–30 to highlight the important connection between reading and health. The Florida Department of Health has partnered with the Florida Department of Education and the Dairy Council of Florida to promote the “Health Literacy in the Classroom” reading project. Volunteer readers participating in the project visit Pre-K, Kindergarten and first grade classrooms across the state to read “SunnyBell’s Dairy Farm Adventure” book, an educational children’s book produced by the Dairy Council of Florida.
“Reading opens the minds of Florida’s children to explore better health, safe adventures and a life full of good choices,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “I was delighted to read SunnyBell’s story to the students at Nova Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary, and I applaud all of the volunteers who are reading to Florida’s young people this week.”
Dr. Armstrong read to kindergarten and first grade students at Nova Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary in Ft. Lauderdale. He was joined by officials with the Dairy Council of Florida, as well as special guest SunnyBell. As a part of Healthiest Weight Florida, the Department of Health has volunteers reading in 571 Florida classrooms, reaching an estimated 11,420 students. Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living.
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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