April 1, 2021 – Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that Literacy Network of Dane County has received a COVID-19 Community Outreach Grant of $13,000. The goal of the project is to increase understanding about and access to vaccines.
Initial surveys found that approximately 40% of adult learners have questions about the vaccine. “If I have had COVID-19, is it necessary for me to get vaccinated?” wrote one student in the survey.
With this grant, Literacy Network will provide accessible vaccination education and information to at least 400 low-income adults with low literacy in Dane County. Literacy Network will develop interactive lessons in Plain English based on current information from Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC).
Literacy Network will create training and materials for those who want to become advocates in their communities. The grant will help staff and tutors empower learners to make confident decisions about vaccines.
Literacy Network will provide bilingual (English/Spanish) support via phone calls and texts to any participant who needs help with the vaccine. Literacy Network will also share accurate vaccine information via social media.