Students in our English as a Second Language (ESL) class at our Adult Learning Lab completed an eight-week course offered by the Health Literacy Program at the University of Michigan.

“Health literacy” refers to the capacity that individuals have to obtain and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. In the course, students learned about making appointments with doctors and medical professionals, communicating symptoms, understanding the hospital environment, healthy living and eating, and dealing with medical emergencies. The students earned certificates in CPR/First Aid.

“It’s so important to know all these things because it could save my child’s life,” said student Yolanda Hernandez, whose daughter has a chronic medical condition.

“This course was a pilot program for the Learning Lab, and the students found it to be a valuable experience in many ways,” said ESL instructor Saima Mahmutovic. “Several students would like to get jobs in the healthcare field, and the knowledge and certifications they received in the course are helpful.”

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