Responsibility 7

Communicate and Advocate for Health and Health Education

Competency B: Apply a variety of communication methods and techniques
Sub-competency 4 - Use culturally sensitive communication methods and techniques

The American Lung Association was tabling at an American Indian conference so I put together a display that had information about the effects of smoke and secondhand smoke on children.  Another main focus of this health conference was to educate the community about SIDS and how smoking  increases the occurrence of this syndrome.  Since this tabling was on a reservation, it was important to be culturally sensitive and meet their needs.  I researched many statistics about the American Indian population and the rate of SIDS.  I found many resources and handouts that were targeted towards this population, and made one of my own.

Competency B: Apply a variety of communication methods and techniques
Sub-competency 5 - Use appropriate techniques for communicating health education information

One of the biggest goals of the American Lung Association is to aid in making rental units smoke free.  Not only is this better for the tenants, but it is also better for business (for the landlords and property managers).  However, many property owners aren't aware of this, so I helped create a list, from scratch, of landlords and property managers all around northern Minnesota.  After creating this list, we sent out invitations to invite the landlords to a lunch/informational meeting.  Here, landlords would receive a free meal, and learn everything they need to know about smoke-free rental housing.  Although we sent out invitations, I also made follow-up calls to each individual to get RSVPs. 

Competency B: Apply a variety of communication methods and techniques
Sub-competency 6 - Use oral, electronic and written techniques for communicating health education information

Interning with the American Lung Association, I got the chance to create handouts and education material of my own.  I facilitated a support group called Better Breathers Club (BBC), which is for adults with any type of lung disease.  Because BBC is not very well-known, I created a brochure for physicians to give to patients with lung disease who may be interested in joining.  Another educational piece I created was a one-piece handout that had information on nicotine and different sources of nicotine replacement methods.