SPRING 2019
L
iteracy impacts every important social
and economic aspect of life. When
individuals learn how to read, write, do
basic math and use computers, they have
the power to move out of poverty, find and keep
sustainable employment, and lower their
healthcare costs.
In Georgia, over one million people lack basic
literacy skills. Children who can’t read by the end
of third grade are more likely to have poor
health and become teenage parents.
“Before third grade, a child is learning to read,”
said Rebecca Parshall, Program Manager of
Learn4Life, a metro Atlanta regional education
partnership. “After third grade, a child is reading
to learn.”
There are nonprofit organizations throughout
Georgia working to increase literacy among
children and adults with many working
specifically to increase residents’ ability to read
medical forms and health educational material
so they know how to take prescribed
medications, and how to advocate for
themselves with healthcare providers at each
level of the healthcare system. Several
Healthcare Georgia Foundation grantees and
community partners are among these “pockets
of hope” working to increase literacy and
improve health outcomes for Georgians. We are
pleased to highlight the work of two community
programs in Georgia.
Cook County launches new
program for its early learners
Cook County, Georgia believes the key to
healthy living begins at birth. After looking at
the county’s “dismal” third grade reading scores
and low pre-K participation rates, district
Superintendent Dr. Tim Dixon knew something
had to change.
(Continued on page 8)
Briella is so excited about getting her first library card. She signed up for the Books Before Kindergarten
program and is a new Cook County Schools Baby Hornet!
ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY FOR ALL
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