As with other workshops, Lynda offered some constructive advice about getting the information and treatment that you need from doctors and nurses. She encouraged learners to let people know about the kind of help you need and people will usually take the time to explain things or write them down. As well, Lynda presented material she developed to help people remember their medication and when to take it. Her nurses showed interest in using these with other patients.

There were many other workshops led by learners from the deaf community, francophone groups and some from the United States.

Here's what some learners had to say about their Conference experience.

Lynda Magerl: "I gained a lot of knowledge at these workshops: The one on Northern Perspectives made me realize that northern nurses have to use inventive ways to work to keep people healthy. Another interesting part was the launch of "What the Health".

Editor's note: "What the Health" is a very exciting package of health materials designed for teens. It has important information for everyone with many true life stories woven through the health facts. It's an exciting package, so tutors check it out!

In general, I thought the learner workshops were the most interesting and imaginative. They offered practical suggestions for change and I found them fascinating. Didn't get as much out of some of the American Workshops about their system but they made me appreciate what we have here in Canada. We are very fortunate to have our health care system!"

Gordon DeWolfe: "The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) deserves a lot of praise for hosting such a wonderful and informative conference. They hosted a terrific cross-section of participants who brought their various perspectives. This provided a more complete look at the whole picture and the numerous issues relating to literacy and health. Apart from the important and relevant information and resources that were shared, many relationships or partnerships were initiated.

I was extremely impressed with the noticeable respect and consideration the CPHA staff and conference participants had for learners, whether they were workshop presenters or observers. Measures were taken to ensure that we were well-informed and understood what was happening. As an adult learner presenting my very first workshop, I was made to feel quite comfortable. I was treated as an equal contributor to this extremely successful and ground-breaking conference. Congratulations to the CPHA!"

Pennyann Tibbitts: (Ontario MCL Learner Rep) "I mostly attended workshops for the medical community to be a learner presence. Since most other learners were attending their own workshops, I thought it was important to be at these to represent a learner's point of view.

The workshops I attended were very informing. I learned a lot and thought it was a very good experience. The only problem was that they didn't give handouts. I think the learners prepared more materials for their workshops than the others did. The learners did a very good job."