Originally published on YourHub – October 29th, 2023
October is more than just spooky costumes and pumpkin-spiced lattes; it’s also Health Literacy Month. This month-long initiative aims to promote the importance of understanding health information and making informed decisions. Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, an online public school of the Julesburg District, contributes to Health Literacy throughout the school year with the support of their traveling Mobile Lab; bringing essential healthcare education to online learning students throughout the state.
Listed below are some of the key ways the Mobile Lab has shaped the future of nursing and healthcare since its launch three years ago, not just for Health Literacy Month, but every month.
1. The Power of Early Access to Healthcare Literacy
High school is a critical time for students to start developing an understanding of healthcare. Health literacy not only empowers them to make informed decisions about their own well-being but also opens doors to numerous career opportunities in the healthcare field.
Research shows that students who receive early education about healthcare are more likely to pursue careers in the medical field. This is especially crucial considering the ongoing nursing shortages in the United States. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), metro areas are predicted to have a slight surplus of nurses; however, non-metro areas where the resources aren’t as easily accessible are predicted to have a 13% shortage in 2025.
Programs like the Destinations Career Academy of Colorado’s (CODCA) Mobile Lab are addressing this issue head-on by bringing the resources and lab to students in more rural areas of the state.
2. The Role of the Mobile Lab
CODCA is pioneering a unique approach to healthcare education through its Mobile Lab. This innovative initiative travels across the state, bringing hands-on experiences and healthcare knowledge directly to high school students. Here’s how CODCA’s Mobile Lab is making a difference:
- Access to Required Equipment: The Mobile Lab is equipped with the medical equipment necessary for students to learn and practice vital healthcare skills for their clinical exams.
- Expert Instructors: Knowledgeable instructors guide students through various healthcare topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.
- Career Pathways: CODCA’s program not only fosters health literacy but also provides a clear pathway for students interested in pursuing healthcare careers.
3. Future of Nursing and Healthcare in Colorado
Programs like CODCA’s Mobile Lab play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing and healthcare in Colorado. By introducing high schoolers to the world of healthcare early on, they are nurturing a pipeline of passionate and well-prepared individuals who may eventually fill the looming gaps in the nursing workforce.
4. The Nationwide Movement for Accessible Information
It’s not just Colorado that’s recognizing the importance of healthcare education for high schoolers. Across the United States, there’s a growing movement to make information and education in the healthcare field more accessible to students. The government and various organizations are investing in initiatives that promote health literacy, early career exploration, and healthcare workforce development.
Health Literacy Month provides high schoolers with a unique opportunity to explore the world of healthcare. In Colorado, CODCA’s Mobile Lab is at the forefront of this movement, bridging the gap and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mrs. Bossmann is the CODCA Health Science Coordinator and Instructor. She has worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years as a Registered Nurse and Instructor. In addition, she has been a Certified CPR Instructor since 2018 and obtained her CTE in Health Sciences from the Colorado Department of Education. Her passion is educating students to care for people as if they were their own family with a hands-on curriculum in the CODCA Mobile Lab.
To learn more about Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, visit https://codca.k12.com/.
