Health Literacy Shapes Florida’s Future

October is Health Literacy Month. When we help Florida's children and youth build the knowledge, habits and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives, we are supporting the health, resilience and future of our entire state.

Health Literacy is the focus of Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body, and Soul, a Boys & Girls Clubs program that is empowering kids across Florida communities to build physical strength, learn about nutrition and develop social and emotional skills -- aiming to foster healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Empowering Florida’s Youth

Across Florida, Boys & Girls Clubs are quietly shaping the next generation of healthy, confident citizens through a program called Triple Play – A Game Plan for the Mind, Body, and Soul. It may not make daily headlines, but its impact runs deep in every community it touches. The program helps children learn how to care for their physical health, make smart food choices, and build emotional resilience. These are skills that influence not only their lives but also the health and prosperity of our entire state.

Supporting Health Literacy

For years, Simply Healthcare Plans has supported this important work because we know that health literacy is the foundation of lifelong wellness. When children learn early how to make healthy choices, manage emotions, and take care of their bodies, they are better prepared to thrive in school, at home, and in life.

Addressing Challenges

Today, far too many Florida youth face chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity. Many also struggle with stress, anxiety, or sadness. These challenges disrupt learning and can lead to serious health problems later in life. Teaching health literacy early — helping young people understand health information, make informed decisions, and apply healthy habits — can change that trajectory. It gives children the tools to take charge of their well-being and build a better future.

Triple Play’s Impact

Through Triple Play, Boys & Girls Clubs integrate physical activity, nutrition education, and social-emotional development into everyday lessons. Children learn about foods that fuel their bodies, how to manage their emotions, and how to make responsible choices. The results are clear. In Palm Beach County, participants report significant increases in physical activity, healthier eating habits, and stronger relationships with peers. In the Big Bend region, staff are trained in mental health first aid and connect students to counseling when needed. In Tampa Bay, Triple Play helps children build confidence, stay active, and develop healthy routines that last a lifetime.

Investing in a Healthier Future

The return on investment is evident. Across Florida, Boys & Girls Clubs are showing that when we teach children to care for their bodies and minds early in life, the benefits extend far beyond the club itself. When Florida invests in health literacy through programs like Triple Play, the payoff is powerful. Every dollar spent generates an eightfold return through stronger health outcomes, lower medical costs, and healthier, more prosperous futures for Florida families. Early youth health programs prevent chronic disease and costly complications down the road, creating healthier adults and a healthier economy.

Strengthening Medicaid

This approach is essential to strengthening Medicaid. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly half of all children in the United States, about 49 percent, receive health coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Many live in Florida communities that face the greatest barriers to care. By helping these children build the knowledge and confidence to live healthy lives, we can reduce preventable illness, improve quality of life, and create a healthcare system that works better for everyone.

A Call for Celebration

Simply Healthcare recognizes that true health comes from more than medical care alone. It grows from prevention, education, and empowerment. Our role is to support partners like the Boys & Girls Clubs that meet children where they are and inspire lifelong wellness. The results are visible in stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more prosperous Florida.

This Health Literacy Month, we should celebrate the programs that teach our children not just how to stay healthy but why it matters. When we invest in health literacy early, we build a foundation for a stronger Florida — one where every child has the chance to grow, thrive, and contribute to a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

Dana Gryniuk serves as the Plan President and CEO of Simply Healthcare Plans