Workshops inform Hawaiʻi teachers about Rat Lungworm Disease

Hawaiʻi teachers will have the opportunity to participate in the collection of data on Rat Lungworm Disease (RLW) as well as gain a better understanding of the potentially deadly disease at a series of workshops this fall, co-sponsored by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Kay Howe, education specialist with the DKICP Jarvi Lab, and Franny Brewer, communication director for the Big Island Invasive Species Council, partner to teach this Professional Development Education (PDE) course for K-12 teachers offered through the Hawaiʻi Department of Education.

A one-day, not-for-credit workshop that provides an overview of the curriculum and materials is on September 29 at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy in Waimea. To register, contact Howe at maryk8@hawaii.edu.

The three PDE courses, which run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, are offered on: October 20-21 at Kalanianiole Elementary School in Hilo (registration required by October 19); October 27-28 at Kanu o ka ʻĀina in Waimea (registration required by October 26); and November 3-4 in Waimea Middle School (registration required by November 2). Teachers must sign-up for course #SC184011 at https://pde3.k12.hi.us.

“Participants will become educators for their communities as they will have a solid understanding of all aspects of the issue of rat lungworm and Rat Lungworm Disease,” Howe said.

In addition to DKICP, the workshops are co-sponsored by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, ʻIolani Schools, the Oʻahu Farm to School Network and the Hawaiʻi Farm to School HUI.

For more information, contact Howe at maryk8@hawaii.edu.