Title: Web-Based Course on Advocating For Folic Acid

Author:

Section/SPIG: Maternal and Child Health

Issue Date:

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Advocating For Folic Acid: A Guide For Health Professionals at <www.folicacid.net> is a free, Web-based course designed for current and emerging health professionals.

The course provides information about the benefits of folic acid and strategies for counseling individuals regarding folic acid intake. Users are presented with 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), and guidance for counseling individuals. A number of health professional schools are currently using this education tool, and special features are available for educators to view student performance. A special section of the Web site describes relevance of folic acid to public health professionals.

This project was made possible through funding from the March of Dimes. The course was developed with the assistance of subject matter experts and professionals in maternal and child health. For more information about the Web site and how you can use it in your classes, contact Kalpana Ramiah at <kramiah@asph.org>.