Getting the message across to your clients is simple and in most cases should only take a few minutes.

Consider delivering the message by:

·         distributing folic acid brochures and information.

-     For example, periodically include a series on folic acid in WIC Newsletter.

·         referring to nutrition services when necessary.

·         being especially diligent about reaching high risk patients to make sure that they get an opportunity for special counseling related to NTDs and folic acid.

·         including folic acid education as a component in your programs for pregnant women, women of childbearing age, postpartum mothers, patients of fertility clinics and women at risk for NTD-affected pregnancies.

·         encouraging consumption of food sources of folic acid and providing culturally appropriate recipes using foods high in folic acid.

·         acting as a resource to the public and directing interested individuals towards folic acid programs and resources.

·         conducting a community based folic acid promotion program.

• Ask your county executive, legislative leader, mayor, or town supervisor to proclaim a “Folic Acid Awareness Week” in your community

• Provide local newspapers, television, and radio stations with information so they can create related stories

• Collaborate with local physicians, allied health organizations, or health care facilities to develop a community speakers' bureau on folic acid

• Provide exhibits for health fairs in public places, such as shopping malls and schools

• Wear a T-shirt saying “Ask me about folic acid”

As a public health professional, you have a number of opportunities to disseminate the information on folic acid and make a difference in the health of your clients.