Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation to be recognized at statewide celebration of literacy event

MADISON—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation (Foundation) was named co-winner of Wisconsin Literacy’s Outstanding Achievement in Health Literacy and will be honored with other literacy tutors, learners and advocates from around the state at Wisconsin Literacy’s STRONG INSIDE: A Celebration of Literacy April 11 in Madison.

“It is a moving and inspiring event that allows us to showcase the hard work of our members across the state, as well as the amazing learners with whom they work,” said Michele Erikson, executive director of Wisconsin Literacy, Inc., a Madison-based nonprofit that links 77 community-based literacy agencies throughout the state that teach people how to read or to speak English.

The Foundation has supported Wisconsin Literacy and its health division, Wisconsin Health Literacy, through a number of grants in recent years, including two awards this year—one supporting workshops for seniors and their caregivers on safely and effectively using medications and another focused on helping young families understand what to do if their child is sick and when to call the doctor.

“The Foundation is dedicated to improving health in Wisconsin by supporting various programs, research and promising pilot projects that are championed by local physicians and others who understand the needs of their communities,” said David Falk, MD, chair of the Foundation Grant Committee. “In 2015, programs supported by the Foundation reached individuals in 68 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and directly impacted the lives of nearly 30,000 individuals at various stages of life. Partners like Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. help to make that impact possible.”

A Celebration of Literacy is hosted every other year by Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. Additional information about Wisconsin Literacy and this year’s event can be found at WisconsinLiteracy.org.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization to advance the health of the people of Wisconsin by supporting medical education and health initiatives. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Foundation’s partner organization, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.