Bi-Monthly SHIP Coalition Meeting
2025-10-22 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
HLCD team briefing.

Welcome to Delaware’s State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), where all communities and sectors are invited to get involved and work together toward a healthy and well Delaware.

Community of Practice: Tools for your Toolbox: Addressing Certain HIV Co-Occurring Conditions Together (in-person)
2025-10-22 11:30 - 13:00 | Virtual
Community Service Building Corp
100 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 Rm 105
Starts at: October 22, 2025 11:30am ET
Ends at: October 22, 2025 1:00pm ET
(302) 777-0922
Free Admission

This Community of Practice (CoP) is for Delaware professionals working with populations affected by HIV. This will be a safe space to come together monthly to learn more tools for our toolbox to support communities, become trusted messengers, empower clients to engage in their health, reduce the rates of HIV acquisition and co-occurring conditions and help those with HIV reach viral suppression.
Objectives:

Share best practices for engaging or re-engaging HIV clients in care to reduce co-morbidities.
Generate new knowledge to reduce the burden of intersecting conditions like HIV, STI’s hepatitis, SUD and mental illness.
Discuss case-based scenarios to facilitate interactive learning about HIV.
Integrate concepts into clinical CQI.
Recognize how co-occurring HIV conditions influence each other and how to address multiple conditions simultaneously.

Lunch Provided
*Registration Required*
Parking available at the Community Service Parking Garage located on:
111 W. 11th Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Entrance is located on N. Orange Street between 11th and 12th Streets.
Parking ticket from this garage can be validated. You must have a blue or green ticket and bring it to the meeting to get stamped.

Intended Audience
Audience – All community health workers, behavior health professionals, field medical team members, social workers, case managers, first responders, community-based organizations, peer support specialist working with communities affected by HIV.

Contact
Person: Danielle C Johnson
Email: danielle.johnson@christianacare.org

Topics

A variety of the listed topics will be discussed at this event.

Behavioral Prevention
Linkage to Care
Retention and/or re-engagement in care
Community linkages
Care coordination

Payer Perspectives on Health Literacy
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Payer Perspectives on Health Literacy
Thursday, October 23, 2025
12:00–1:00 PM
100% Online via Zoom
Register Here
Continuing Medical Education (CMEs) will be offered for this session.
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with leaders from Delaware’s largest health payers as they share how they are addressing health literacy to improve health outcomes and equity.
Featured Speakers:

Pattie Wright – Highmark Delaware
Raul Reyes – Delaware Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Rebecca Sax – AmeriHealth Caritas
Plus a special guest to be announced!

Who should attend?

Healthcare providers
Community organizations
Policymakers
Patient advocates
Anyone committed to helping Delawareans better understand and navigate their health care

We look forward to your participation in this important conversation.
Payer Panel 2025

HARC 2025: Health Literacy Annual Research Conference
2025-10-27 | Virtual
Dates: October 27–28, 2025 (Virtual) Format: Virtual / Online meeting
Join us for HARC 2025, an interdisciplinary meeting bringing together investigators, practitioners, and professionals committed to advancing health literacy research. Our mission is to:

Elevate the rigor and quality of health literacy research
Promote collaboration across disciplines and settings
Support professional development in the health literacy community
Showcase new approaches in measurement, intervention, and implementation

HARC draws researchers involved in public health, health services, epidemiology, translational science, interventional research, and related fields.
Keynote Presentation
Title: “What Should You Be Doing With Your Health Literacy Work?”Speaker: Barry D. Weiss, MDProfessor, Department of Family and Community MedicineUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
Time: Monday, October 27 at 10:30 AM
Agenda Highlights (Oct 27)

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM: Opening remarks by Michael Paasche-Orlow

Panels, workshops, and scientific sessions through the day, e.g. “Health Literate Settings for Promoting Health and Community Resilience”

Continuing Education & Credits
Attendees may earn up to 7.5 Continuing Education Hours

CHES / MCHES credits via the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA) as a designated CECH provider
Sessions may also qualify for CME / CNE credits for clinicians, with certificates issued following the event

Registration & Pricing

Registration is now open (you can register via the HARC / IHA website)
Early Bird (through October 10): $40
Standard rate (after Oct 10): $50

Call for Proposals / Abstracts

HARC is accepting proposals for panels, workshops, special interest groups, and scientific abstracts
Deadline for submission: August 1, 2025

Sponsor / Host
This conference is sponsored by Health Literacy Research and Practice (HLRP), an open-access, peer-reviewed international journal dedicated to bridging research with best practices, promoting health equity, and reducing health disparities. The journal is indexed in the National Library of Medicine. Medicine+2
The event is organized by the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA) / IHA Academy. IHA Academy+2IHA Academy+2
Additional Notes

The conference emphasizes mentoring and one-on-one meetings with program officers or senior researchers
There are need- and merit-based awards for emerging / young investigators
The event promotes multisite collaborations and new cross-disciplinary research ties

Beyond Wealth: Creating a Lasting Family Legacy
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 NEW CASTLE AVENUE, NEW CASTLE, DE, 19720, United States
This event aims to equip families with knowledge and tools to preserve financial wellness, protect values, and prepare the next generation. This event is in partnership with the Delaware Money School of the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council. Topics will include home ownership, financial planning, retirement planning, wills, college savings, and much more.
Hosted by Harriet Stokes, realtor, EXP-REALTY, and Allen Stokes, realtor, EXP-REALTY. Questions can be directed to Harriet Stokes at 610-357-5053.
https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/14992112

Delaware State Health Improvement Plan Quarterly Coalition Meeting
2025-11-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
Join the SHIP Coalition!

Story time with NAMI for pre-K through 4th Grade
2025-12-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. 9th Street, Wilmington, DE, 19805, United States
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Delaware Branch is excited to launch our newest program, Storytime with NAMI. This program is designed to engage young children in child-friendly conversations about mental health and emotional wellness through the art of story-telling.
During the session, our facilitators will introduce these subjects through the art of interactive storytelling, visual presentations, and age-appropriate discussions. The session will last about an hour, including reading the book and engaging in conversation.
While Storytime with NAMI welcomes all individuals, this session is designed for audiences between either Pre-Kindergarten and 4th grade. Whether you’re a parent, family member, caregiver, or educator, we’d love for you to join us to enjoy the stories and learn about how emotional wellness can manifest in young children.
Masks are strongly encouraged. Registration is appreciated but not required.

Story time with NAMI for grades 5-8
2025-12-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. 9th Street, Wilmington, DE, 19805, United States
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Delaware Branch is excited to launch our newest program, Storytime with NAMI. This program is designed to engage young children in child-friendly conversations about mental health and emotional wellness through the art of story-telling.
During the session, our facilitators will introduce these subjects through the art of interactive storytelling, visual presentations, and age-appropriate discussions. The session will last about an hour, including reading the book and engaging in conversation.
While Storytime with NAMI welcomes all individuals, this session is designed for audiences between 5th through 8th grades. Whether you’re a parent, family member, caregiver, or educator, we’d love for you to join us to enjoy the stories and learn about how emotional wellness can manifest in young children.
Masks are strongly encouraged. Registration is appreciated but not required.

Understanding Transition from Part C to Part B and Your Role
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Understanding Transition from Part C to Part B and Your Role
Hosted By: Parent Information Center of Delaware (PIC)
February 10, 2026 12:00 PM
About this online Learning Community event:
Join us as Fiona Vivar, MS Ed, and Kathleen Burris, M. Ed, Early Childhood Transition Coordinators, Office of Early Childhood Intervention, helps families understand the critical transition from Part C Early Intervention to Part B Preschool Special Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Facilitator:
Darne’Jia Scott-Perkins, Parent Consultant, Parent Information Center of Delaware
For more information contact Darne’Jia Scott-Perkins, dscott-perkins@picofdel.org, or 302.999.7394

Improving Community Health: Free Webinar on Measuring Health Literacy
2026-02-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Are Delaware’s health resources truly reaching those who need them?
The Delaware Literacy Alliance is proud to share an upcoming professional development opportunity hosted by the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). On Wednesday, February 11, join experts and peers for a deep dive into the tools and strategies that ensure health information is not just readable, but truly actionable for our communities.
Why Attend?
As literacy advocates, we know that complex jargon can be a barrier to wellness. This session, “Measurements of Health Literacy,” goes beyond basic spell-checkers. You will learn to distinguish between simple text readability and actual patient comprehension—helping you bridge the gap between information and understanding.
Event Highlights

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

Platform: Online (Zoom)

Cost: Free

What’s on the Agenda?
Led by Dr. Emily Vardell, a leading voice in health sciences librarianship, this one-hour workshop will provide you with practical tools to:

Compare Readability Tools: Understand the strengths and ethical limits of popular assessment methods.

Design for Clarity: Learn “quick-win” interventions like numerical simplification and document redesign.

Assess Comprehension: Move beyond the page to evaluate how people actually use the information provided.

Professional Credits
This session is eligible for 1.00 CE credit hour, making it an excellent opportunity for librarians and health educators to maintain certifications (MLA, CHES Category I, and CHIS Levels 1 & 2).
Registration
Registration is free but required through the NNLM portal. Enhance your organization’s impact by mastering the art of clear health communication.
Register via NNLM Here

Special Education Dispute Resolution System: Understanding Your Options Under IDEA
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Special Education Dispute Resolution System: Understanding Your Options Under IDEA
Hosted By: Parent Information Center of Delaware (PIC)
February 19, 2026 12:00 PM
Objective:
Disagreements can arise at any point in a child’s special education journey. This webinar provides families, caregivers, and advocates with a clear overview of the Special Education Dispute Resolution System and the protections available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Participants will receive a brief background on IDEA and learn how disputes related to special education services can be addressed collaboratively and formally. The session will explain the dispute resolution continuum of options including:

IEP Facilitation
Mediation
State Complaints
Due Process Complaints

The webinar will also help families understand where to start when a problem arises, how to decide which option may be appropriate, and what to expect throughout the process.
This session is designed to empower families with knowledge, promote effective communication with schools, and support informed decision-making when navigating special education disputes.
Presented by:
Maria N. Locuniak, Ph.D, NCSP Education Associate, Delaware Department of Education
Kathy Murphy, Associate Director University of Delaware, Special Education Dispute Resolution Services (SPARC)
Meedra Surratte, M.Ed., Executive Director, Parent Information Center of Delaware

Free Delaware Mini-Dental School!
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a dentist? Now is your chance to find out! Join the Delaware Mini-Medical School for a free, six-week online series all about dental health.
This program is perfect for middle school, high school, and college students. Parents are welcome to join, too! You will learn how doctors find and treat illnesses and hear about the latest trends in healthcare. There are no tests, no grades, and you don’t need any medical experience to join.
When is it?
The sessions happen every Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Dates: February 25th – April 1st, 2026

What will you learn?

Feb 25: General Dentistry (The basics of teeth)
March 4: Orthodontics (Braces and straight smiles)
March 11: How to become a dental professional
March 18: Periodontics (Gum health)
March 25: Oral Surgery
April 1: Managing pain and helping patients with special needs

Earn a Certificate
If you attend all six sessions (or five sessions plus one make-up quiz), you will get a signed Certificate of Achievement. You might even be able to join the Delaware Youth Medical Academy!

Virtual Health Learning: Better Communication for Better Care
2026-03-03 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual
Do you work in a doctor’s office or lead a healthcare team? You are invited to a special online meeting about Health Literacy.
“Health Literacy” is a fancy way of saying “helping patients understand their health.” This talk will show you how clear communication can lead to better results for your patients. This session is hosted by the Health Literacy Council of Delaware and the Medical Society of Delaware (MSD).
Who Should Attend?

Doctors and Physicians
Office Managers
Medical Staff and Receptionists

Meeting Details

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Cost: Free for MSD members and their staff!
Location: Online (Virtual Meeting)

How to Join
Once you sign up, you will receive the Zoom link in your email one day before the event starts. Make sure to mark your calendar so you don’t miss this important talk on helping Delaware stay healthy and informed.

Working Together: The Pathways to Thriving Summit
2026-03-18 08:00 - 16:30 | Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, 1131 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover, 19901, United States
Delaware Literacy Alliance is excited to be part of a huge event that brings Delaware’s leaders together! If your job is about helping people find homes, get an education, find work, or stay healthy, this meeting is for you.
We are bringing people from all different areas—like schools, doctors, and community groups—to talk about one big goal: making sure everyone in Delaware has what they need to live a good, healthy life.
Event Details

Date: March 18, 2026
Location: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Who should come: Anyone who works in health, education, housing, jobs, or community support.

Why Attend?
This is where the most important conversations about our community’s future are happening. It’s a great chance to meet other people who care about making Delaware a better place to live and work.

Power In Our Voices - Advocacy Session
2026-03-23 09:30 - 16:00 | Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company, 371 Main St., Cheswold, DE, 19936, United States
Event Overview: Power In Our Voices

Event Name: Power In Our Voices

Host: Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC)

Date: March 23, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Cheswold Fire Hall

Theme: Advocacy, Strength, and Community

Who Should Attend: Individuals with disabilities, parents and family members, students, young adults, and community advocates.

Power In Our Voices is a collaborative event dedicated to defining what “having your own voice” truly means. This gathering brings together a community of individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates to explore communication through various lenses, including spoken words, behavior, body language, and assistive technology.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to:

Hear from parents about navigating diagnoses, overcoming isolation, and building advocacy skills over time.

Listen to young advocates share stories of self-discovery and advice for those just starting their own advocacy journey.

Gain wisdom from experienced advocates regarding the lessons they have learned.

Engage directly with elected officials who will be in attendance to listen to the community, learn from these stories, and discuss how they can help move advocacy priorities forward.

NextGen Healthcare Fair: Delaware is Leveling Up!
2026-03-28 12:00 - 16:00 | Dover YMCA, 1137 S. State St., Dover, DE, 19904, United States
Are you ready to move your life forward? Join Coleman’s CNA Academy and the Dover YMCA for a huge community event! We are bringing over 30 local groups together to help you find the tools you need to succeed.
This event is all about creating new opportunities for everyone in Delaware. Whether you want a new job, a better home, or a healthier life, we have something for you.
When and Where

Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Dover YMCA (1137 S. State St., Dover, DE 19904)
Cost: FREE! (Plus free food and giveaways!)

What’s Waiting for You?
We have a long list of experts ready to help, including:

Health & School: Learn about classes to become a CNA, LPN, or Home Health Aide. You can also get info on CPR training.
Money & Home: Talk to experts about fixing your credit, buying a house, or meeting with a “Stand By Me” coach.
Jobs: Meet with employers and the Delaware Department of Labor.
Wellness: Find resources for mental health, primary care doctors, and cancer prevention.

Why Join Us?
Coleman’s CNA Academy is an award-winning school dedicated to helping our community grow. We believe that when one person wins, we all win! Come out and see how these resources can help you and your family.

Free Workshop: Helping Workers and Bosses Succeed
2026-04-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Workplace Education for U.S. Cities: How Urban Adult Foundational Education (AFE) Networks Can Support Incumbent Workers and Employers
Description
Over the 40 years of its existence, the Literacy Center of West Michigan has become a trusted partner in the region, collaborating with a broad variety of community institutions and organizations. In particular, the organization has led as a provider of workplace-based ESL in partnership with dozens of employers across multiple sectors since 2001. This workshop will tell the story of some of those partnerships and the way that they have made possible a sustained and significant growth of the Literacy Center’s impact. Key principles for engaging with employers will be shared in order to equip you in your own communities.
In this 90-minute session we’ll discuss (1) a brief history of workplace basic skills efforts in the U.S.; (2) how the Literacy Center of West Michigan provides basic skills supports to incumbent workers and their employers; (3) how other urban AFE networks can support similar services relevant to their communities.
Presenters
Marcus Little (Senior Director of Programming, Literacy Center of West Michigan, Grand Rapids) and Paul Jurmo (Co-Founder, Urban Alliance for Adult Literacy). David Rosen (Co-Founder, Urban Alliance for Adult Literacy) will serve as moderator.
Date and Time
Thursday, April 2 – 1:00pm-2:30pm Eastern time

Lunch & Learn: Healthy Living Made Simple
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Do you want to learn how our community is getting healthier? Join us for a quick and easy online meeting called Bite-Sized Bits!
The Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Coalition is teaming up with the YMCA and the American Diabetes Association. We are excited to talk about the new YMCA Wellness Exchange. This is a local “hub” where people can get the help, education, and doctor referrals they need to manage their weight and feel their best.
When and Where

Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (Right at lunchtime!)
Place: Online via Zoom

Who You’ll Hear From

Greg O’Neil: A nursing expert who helps lead health education in Delaware.
Tanya Haley: A health leader from the American Diabetes Association.
Peter Campbell: An outreach coordinator from the YMCA of Delaware.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Jayden Carr at jayden@goeinswilliams.com.

Scrabble Along the Brandywine- Fundraiser for Literacy Delaware 2026
2026-04-24 17:30 - 19:30 | christ church christiana hundred, 505 East Buck Rd, Wilmington, Delaware, 19807, United States
Literacy Delaware Team SCRABBLE fundraising event – Christ Church Christiana Hundred
Friday April 24, 2026 5:30 pm
$50 per person
Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine. Teams of up to 6 receive the same set of SCRABBLE™ tiles and work collaboratively to build the highest score. Tiles can be purchased for high-scoring words; dictionary peeks can be bought to verify spelling. There are raffle baskets to win. Bring cash or checks; credit cards also accepted.
Proceeds will help reduce our learner waiting list.
Register your team: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2650fb60-05c0-46fa-aa17-f046cf1c503a
