health literacy and sub -populations:

Health Literacy and Sub-Populations:

New Immigrant and Refugee ESL Learners

Literacy is the ability to read, understand and express oneself verbally and in writing in order to achieve one’s goals and fully participate in community and its development.

Mission:The Tri-Cities Literacy Committee engages

partners in a collaborative process to explore and enhance literacy services in

our community.

Tri-Cities Literacy Committee

The Tri-Cities Community

Tri-Cities Population : approaching 200,000 Immigrants : 68,000 (34%)

2001 – 29%BC – 27%

Around 12,500 immigrants arrived 2001 – 2006

(2006 Census)

Community Profile

Tri-Cities ESL Working Groupmade up of partners interested or

engaged in ESL literacy in the Tri-Cities

School District #43, Continuing Education Immigrant Services Society of BC S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Public Libraries SHARE Family & Community Services Soroptimist International Community Members

ELSAEnglish Language Services for Adults. provides basic and intermediate level

English training for adult newcomers to Canada.

is government-funded and is free to students.

is not available for Canadian citizens in the lower mainland.

English Practice Groups

free drop-in programs led by volunteer facilitators

offered at seventeen sites throughout the Tri-Cities

Health Literacy KitsHoused with three community ELSA

providers: Continuing Education, School District #43 Immigrant Services Society of BC S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Fourth kit at SHARE Family & Community Services (English Practice Groups)

Available to borrow for adult literacy tutors, community groups, etc.

Health Literacy Kits

At the doctor’s office

Health Literacy KitsAt home

ContentsHot water bottleFace maskEye wash kitThermometerInfant nasal aspiratorTensor ankle supportStethoscopeBlood Pressure UnitHammerFirst Aid Kit, including: antiseptic wipes alcohol cleansing wipes insect sting relief swabs first aid ointment bandages

elastic wrap bandage gauze dressings first aid tape ice pack scissors tweezers butterfly wound closures oval eye pad gloves first aid manual Q-tips tongue depressors/finger

splints emergency blanket

Literacy/Level One

Literacy/Level One

Literacy/Level One

Level Two/Three

Level Two/Three

Contact Information

Julie Rioux MaierTri-Cities Literacy Outreach Coordinator

jrioux@sd43.bc.ca604 817-6462