Title: Folic Acid Guide Available Online

Author:

Section/SPIG: Maternal and Child Health

Issue Date:

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Advocating For Folic Acid: A Guide For Health Professionals (www.folicacid.net), is a free, Web-based course designed for current and emerging health professionals. It provides information on the benefits of folic acid and strategies for counseling individuals regarding folic acid intake. Users are presented with numerous interactive elements that allow them to learn and test their knowledge, including a case study and a virtual kitchen. The module also includes a section that contains detailed information for specific health professionals (allied health, dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy and public health), including why and when individuals should receive counseling. Special features allow educators to view student performance.

A number of health professional schools are currently using this education tool. A special section of the Web site describes relevance of folic acid to the public health professionals.

This project was made possible through funding from the March of Dimes. The course was developed with the assistance of numerous subject matter experts and professionals in maternal and child health. For more information about the Web site, contact Kalpana Ramiah at <Kramiah@asph.org>. Please see how <www.folicacid.net> can be used within your classes.