Mount Nittany Health is proud to highlight our support of the Mid-State Literacy Council. This partnership highlights Mount Nittany Health’s ongoing commitment to addressing the critical link between literacy and overall community health.

“Health literacy is a key determinant of health outcomes,” said Kerri Kubalak, Community Engagement Manager at Mount Nittany Health. “By supporting the Mid-State Literacy Council, we are helping to ensure that all members of our community, regardless of their literacy levels, have access to the resources they need to lead healthier lives. This partnership aligns with Mount Nittany Health’s mission of ‘Healthier people, stronger community.’”

The Mid-State Literacy Council offers a wide range of programs, from basic reading,writing and math instruction to English as a second language (ESL) courses. Each year they help over 200 students and notably two-thirds of the students are women.

“We are honored to receive this support from Mount Nittany Health,” said Bridget Schell, Executive Director of the Mid-State Literacy Council. “This grant will allow us to broaden our reach and minimize literacy as a barrier to understanding medical information, accessing care, or improving health.”

The Mid-State Literacy Council works to bring literacy in all forms to adults in Centre and Clearfield counties. From English Language Learners who have immigrated to the U.S., to those who grew up here and want to improve their skills to access employment, higher education, and life goals Mid-State Literacy Council’s volunteers have educated and empowered thousands of area adults in its nearly 50-year history.

Improving health literacy empowers us to overcome barriers and challenges that could lead to harm. By joining together to enhance health literacy, we can help ensure our community has access to high-quality care and can achieve better health outcomes.