iHealth: Health Literacy in a Technical Age

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Wednesday, November 24th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Bellaggio Cafe
773 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC
Please RSVP: ipph-ispp@uottawa.ca

Is Dr. Google always the best source for health information? While there are several reputable online sources, many other websites can make misleading, incomplete, and even contradictory health claims. Distinguishing between them can be difficult given that nearly half of adult Canadians have low health literacy skills.

Some researchers and local organizations wish to help people obtain accurate health information. Will our increasing dependence on information technology create a digital divide with those lacking health literacy skills finding it increasingly difficult to get access to accurate and vital health information and possibly experiencing lower health outcomes? What community services are needed?

Come out and bring your opinion! Light refreshments will be served. This FREE event is sponsored by the Institute of Population and Public Health of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Experts:

Dr. Ellen Balka
Professor
Simon Fraser University

Belinda Boyd
Leader, Community Engagement Vancouver Coastal Health Richmond

Dace Starr
Librarian, Special Projects Richmond Public Library

Moderator:

Dr. Irv Rootman
Adjunct Professor
University of Victoria