Health & Literacy Action Conference

By: Patricia McCarthy

There is a growing body of evidence that low literacy is linked with various indicators of poor health. Therefore there is a need for a concerted program of research to explore the linkages between literacy and health and the most effective strategies for promoting health through literacy. Keeping this in mind, the Division of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University, organized the first ever Health & Literacy Action Conference for this province. Over 100 participants gathered at the The Fairmont Newfoundland in St. John's on September 6-8 to identify and develop solutions for this issue.

The Read and Succeed Choir, joined by special guests for the launch of the campaign

The conference began with the Dr. A. M. House Lecture on Literacy featuring Dr. Rima Rudd from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Rudd brought with her the concept of literacy being closely linked to a good economy and a good and healthy life.

One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Marcia Drew Hohn of the Northeast Essex Community College in Massachusetts, spoke on the idea of a participatory approach to health and literacy. She noted that learning is most effective when adults are involved in defining the issues and are engaged in developing solutions.

The conference continued with action planning workshops on community health, men's and women's health, learning disabilities and aboriginal health.

Ms. Ann Ryan, Dr. Rima Rudd and Conference Chair, Dr. Michael Murray

Friday evening was set aside for dinner and entertainment by local entertainer, Jim Payne. Participants were also graced with lovely recitations from Carmelita McGrath, local author and by Derrick Tizzard of the Rabbittown Learner's Program, with a poem from his book "From my Heart & Soul" titled, "Read me this book, Sir, please".

The following day, the Department of Education launched their new public awareness campaign, "Read and Succeed". After listening to the melodic voice of the "Read & Succeed Choir" and being inspired by the words of Senator Joyce Fairbairn, the conference participants left the Fairmont Newfoundland with a renewed sense of purpose and steady plan of action to tackle the ever-daunting issue of health and its link to literacy.