Leadership
Stories
Jennifer Staple
Jennifer Staple is a leading youth figure in the effort to build
public will around health issues. She is the founder and director
of Unite for Sight, Inc, a national nonprofit organization focused
on fostering public awareness and action for the fight against
blindness in the United States. Her efforts have created greater
understanding of risk factors for blindness, as well as educating
Americans about specific actions they can take to improve their
eye health. Unite for Sight helps adults and children identify
their vulnerability to eye problems and refers them to appropriate
programs and physicians. Additionally, Staple's organization has
helped the medically underserved in several states by providing
free vision screening, eye glasses, and information about no-cost
health-coverage programs.
All of Unite for Sight's initiatives are designed to transform
community norms regarding eye health, nutrition, and the importance
of regular eye exams. Staple has employed many unique and age-appropriate
modes of communication in order to change the attitudes and behaviors
of her target audiences: Unite for Sight offers preschoolers educational puppet
shows, dynamic coursework for elementary through high school students,
and forums for adults. The organization also promotes safety measures
in order to prevent eye trauma during sports and other activities.
Additionally, Unite for Sight has published informative pamphlets
as part of its HIV/AIDS education program. She has recently expanded
Unite for Sight, creating new chapters at 14 universities and
medical schools throughout the country. Because of the success
of Unite for Sight's national expansion, Staple is currently working
on an international expansion of her organization, tackling eye
and health care issues throughout the world.
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