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RAMOS INTRODUCES HEALTH LITERACY EDUCATION BILL

Schools would incorporate health literacy into existing health education curriculum.

(HOBOKEN) – Last Thursday, Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. introduced legislation to expand health literacy education in public schools.

“Healthcare is something everybody needs, but not everybody understands,” said Ramos (D-33). “This bill will help equip teens and young adults with essential knowledge about how to best manage their health needs and seek out the best care possible.”

The bill, A2904, would require that health literacy content be incorporated into the Core Curriculum Content Standards. The goal is to get students to learn how to communicate with healthcare professionals about their symptoms and how to read and comprehend instructions for medical care. Most importantly, students will be provided with a basic understanding of how to navigate the country’s healthcare system.

“It’s important that teens graduate from high school with this type of practical, real-world knowledge so they can make appropriate healthcare choices for the rest of their lives”, Ramos added.

“Navigating the American healthcare system can be a daunting task, especially to college-bound kids leaving home for the first time. Eventually all of us need to see a doctor or receive medical attention, and this bill ensures we’re preparing our children for that scenario, whenever it comes.”

The bill was introduced on May 10th and is awaiting a hearing in the Assembly Education Committee. It is also sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-4).

Assemblyman Ramos represents the 33rd Legislative District, which includes Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken, and parts of Jersey City and Chairs the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee.