title: The green choices project: integrating environmental health education into reproductive health care settings.
abstract: A national reproductive health organization developed the Green Choices project to educate staff and clients about how to live in healthier environments by reducing potentially harmful environmental exposures to toxicants. An advisory group, comprised of experts in environmental and reproductive health and literacy, defined the project's scope and common environmental exposures to address. The following educational materials were developed: an online staff environmental health 101 curriculum, an environmental health assessment tool for clients to identify their potential risks, and information sheets for each environmental exposure that described potential risks and ways to reduce risks. Beta-testing methods included baseline and follow-up surveys, one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and recommendations from experts. Staff and client feedback on the educational materials resulted in increased clarity, sensitivity, relevancy, and appeal. Environmental health experts ensured accuracy of information, and reading experts lowered the reading level from 12th to 6th grade. A campaign to disseminate environmental health information and educational materials nationally is under way.
authors.affiliation: Medical Continuing Education and Special Projects, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc, New York, NY 10001, USA. sandy.worthington@ppfa.org
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Worthington
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Elie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Debevec
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance; D004782:Environmental Health / Q000193:education* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology / Q000379:methods*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D016730:Program Development; D034121:Reproductive Health Services; D055815:Young Adult