Even within economically disadvantaged under-resourced communities, there are simple steps that can be taken to improve personal health, but often too many lack the basic knowledge, skills, and motivation to take these steps.
Hip Hop Public Health uses music as the message and popular artists as messengers to reach economically disadvantaged elementary school aged children with an innovative array of media tools designed to improve health literacy and foster positive behaviors. We not only effectively engage children in this process, we also empower them to influence parental knowledge and parental health behaviors through “pester power”, “purchase influence” and other child mediation techniques. We have worked with A-list talent including Ariana Grande, Jordin Sparks, and Ashanti. Doug E Fresh is our founding artist and Chuck D and DMC are on our advisory board. Seven-time Emmy winner for children’s television Ian Ellis James, a director of our organization, has developed several of our storyboards. Our programs, which can be found HERE, are grounded in National Health Education Standards and specific curricula align with Common Core State Standards. We place emphasis on proof of efficacy and our programs have been developed in partnership with our 5th grade student advisory board and tested in NIH-funded research studies.
Our music and media tools are designed for incorporation into almost any existing or planned health education program or can be used as a standalone program that is facilitated by a brief webinar training session with our team. Our legendary Health EMCEES are also available to host your event and help make it a memorable experience for children and families.
