The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) has launched Advocating for Folic Acid: A Guide for Health Professionals located at www.folicacid.net. This free, Web-based course is designed for current and emerging health professionals. It provides information about the benefits of folic acid and strategies for counseling individuals regarding folic acid intake.

Users can access numerous interactive elements that allow them to learn and test their knowledge, including a case study and a virtual kitchen. The course also contains detailed information for specific health professionals (allied health professionals, dentists, dietitians, physicians, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists and public health professionals), including why and when they should counsel individuals.

The module was pilot tested with approximately 500 students across all health professions. Feedback from faculty and students was overwhelmingly positive. This project was made possible through funding from the March of Dimes.