Wayne State University Brings Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) to Campus

Posted by liaison on May 27th, 2025 Posted in: #CC/Academic List, Opportunity to Participate

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Congratulations to Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan), for having two health-focused courses certified to offer the Medical Library Association’s Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS). Dr. Deborah Charbonneau, a Professor in the School of Information Sciences at Wayne State University, successfully prepared an application through the Network of the National Library of Medicine’s (NNLM) Consumer Health for Library Students program. This initiative enables students to obtain a CHIS level II credential upon completing an approved course. Wayne State University is proud to be the first university in Michigan to offer this certification, setting a new standard for health information education.

As a faculty member, and former health sciences librarian, Dr. Charbonneau is pleased to announce the launch of this new initiative for students enrolled at Wayne State University. She states: “This presents an excellent opportunity for graduate students to obtain a nationally recognized certification while studying at Wayne State University and achieving their academic objectives.” Dr. Charbonneau contributes her specialized knowledge in health literacy, community health informatics, and digital health to the School. She sees CHIS certification as crucial for future health information professionals to provide accurate, accessible health information to diverse communities by connecting with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the public.

Students can earn the CHIS certification, a nationally recognized credential certified by the Medical Library Association, by completing one or both approved courses: INF 7620 Health Informatics and INF 7610 Health Sciences Information Services and Resources. Dr. Charbonneau developed and teaches the INF 7620 Health Informatics course, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to advancing education in health informatics, a field that integrates information technology with healthcare to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. The INF 7610 course is currently taught by a part-time faculty member in the School, Dr. Bethany Figg from Central Michigan University (CMU). Dr. Figg brings extensive experience to the INF 7610 course which she redesigned from previous years, developing an updated curriculum and original instructional materials. These enhancements support student engagement and the learning outcomes required by the CHIS certification. She holds the positions of Associate DIO, Director of Graduate Medical Education, and Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine at CMU.

In addition to equipping students for careers in healthcare, public health, and information science, the CHIS courses facilitate the development of essential competencies in comprehending health behaviors, enhancing digital health literacy, and advancing health equity. Wayne State University is actively promoting the courses across campus to underscore the importance of health information in building a healthier, more informed community. For more information on CHIS and the courses, please contact Dr. Deborah Charbonneau at dcharbon@wayne.edu.

Earning a CHIS is an excellent way for students on track to become librarians, information professionals, or allied health professionals to showcase their accomplishments in acquiring the knowledge and health information skills needed to become experts in providing health information services. Paving the way to creating more confident early-career professionals in providing health information to their community.

If you have questions about the NNLM Consumer Health for Library Students program or want to express interest in offering CHIS, contact Samantha Nunn at sam.nunn@utah.edu.