OCEAN COUNTY – Students will now have the opportunity to ask local health experts about any public health topic.
The program, “Ask a Health Educator,” is being run by the Ocean County Health Department. It can be used as a classroom resource. But it doesn’t have to be connected to any school project. Any school-aged child can use it if they have a question.
Normally, this time of year would be spent with the Health Department visiting classrooms for educational sessions, but that has been impossible due to COVID-19.
“The programs and topics we discussed in the classroom focused on so many different public health issues that were relevant to students of all ages,” explained, Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “With the pandemic, we’ve had to amend our school program strategies and find ways to improvise while still providing key public health education for children. We believe the new ‘Ask a Health Educator’ campaign will satisfy some of that need.”
Although COVID-19 is most likely going to be an important topic, Regenye said that any health-related topic is welcome. Someone may be interested to learn more about the flu or other diseases, bullying, internet safety, smoking or depression.
Children or their parents can ask a question on the OCHD Facebook page or email the question to healthed@ochd.org. The student’s question will be featured in a video post on Facebook where the health educator will provide the answer. A new video segment will be posted on Facebook every Friday and spotlight new questions.
Children should always have their parent or guardian’s permission before using the internet or social media, the Health Department reminded.
“The Ocean County Health Department learned that the COVID-19 pandemic has students and children extremely interested in not only the issues surrounding COVID-19, but also a variety of other public health issues as well,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “That’s why we’re excited to unveil the ‘Ask a Health Educator’ campaign. Now children have direct access to the professionals that work in the public health field every day.”
For more information regarding “Ask a Health Educator,” visit ochd.org.
