The Portage County Literacy Council held a Tutor In-Service event on May 11, 2009 to thank tutors for their work. Tutors were provided with continuing education on health literacy and networking opportunities. Tutors sorted M&M's by color and completed corresponding statements about their experiences and advice for new tutors. The Council also provided an update on staffing, funding, and outcome goals, and encouraged tutors to help track learner employment data. Tutors learned about health literacy and a curriculum to help learners understand health care providers, locations, communication, family health histories, medications, and prescriptions. Additional resources were suggested to support tutors.

1. Portage County Literacy Council Tutor In-Service May 11, 2009

2. Welcome and THANK-YOU!! Tonight we want to THANK all our great tutors! Give you a PCLC update Provide some support and continuing education Health Literacy Networking opportunities

3. Something sweet for you… Please open your package of M&M’s Sort the M&M’s For the color you have the most of, finish the corresponding statement on the next page Share your answer with your neighbors

4. M&M’s The greatest thing I learned from my learner is… My biggest frustration I have/had as a tutor is… The funniest thing that I experienced as a tutor is/was… The best advice I’d give a new tutor is…. A great teaching tool/opportunity I used was… My favorite part of being a tutor is…

5. PCLC Update Staffing changes Outcome goals Funding update UnScrabble Grants Tutors Help us track employment data Outreach/spreading the PCLC story Potluck on May 21st at 5 pm

6. Which is the strongest predictor of a person’s health? Age Race Ethnicity Income Employment Status Education Level Literacy Level

8. Health Literacy Curriculum What do health care providers do? Where to go for health care How to talk to a health care professional Creating a family health history Understanding medications Understanding prescriptions

9. Adapt to fit your learner… examples from our English classes

10. Additional resources Do a web-search on “health literacy” Helpful links to be added to our website Browse through MSTC curriculum at our office Call or email our staff

11. Thanks for all you do! Next Tutor In-Service planned for fall Until then, continue on!