Region 5 in Action: Building Health Information Outreach in Hawaii, 2021–2026

Posted by Kathryn Vela on July 8th, 2026 Posted in: Impact
Tags: community outreach, Funding, health information, health literacy, libraries, library programming, NLM Traveling Exhibits, outreach, professional development, Public Libraries, public library, training

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Over the past five years, NNLM Region 5 has strengthened health information outreach across Hawaii by supporting libraries, community partners, and local leaders who help people find reliable health information when they need it most. From training and funding to exhibits and outreach tools, the work in Hawaii reflects what happens when trusted institutions invest in access, connection, and community-centered learning.

NNLM Region 5 serves Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, U.S. Territories, and Freely Associated States in the Pacific. In Hawaii, that regional mission has translated into practical support for public libraries, academic libraries, and community-based organizations working on the front lines of health information outreach. Membership remains one of the easiest ways to get involved: 25 librarians and organizations in Hawaii are members, and membership is free. For libraries and organizations looking to expand their network and strengthen their outreach, that kind of connection matters.

Funding support has also made a measurable difference. In Hawaii, 4 members received awards totaling $54,500 to support NNLM’s work in their communities. Those awards help turn ideas into action, whether that means developing programming, improving access to credible health information, or reaching audiences that are often hardest to serve. In a state where geography can shape access, local investment makes a real difference.

Another highlight of NNLM Region 5’s work in Hawaii has been the use of exhibits to spark conversation and learning. Nine libraries in Hawaii hosted the Native Voices exhibit from the National Library of Medicine, bringing attention to Native peoples’ concepts of health and illness. For many libraries, exhibits like this do more than fill a display space – they create opportunities for dialogue, cultural learning, and deeper community engagement.

One especially meaningful example is the featured award Keiki Heroes, Let’s Care for Our Eyes. NNLM Region 5 provided funding to the Hawaii Public Health Institute to create this activity book, which introduces children to eye health in a friendly, memorable way through Kai and Hōkū. The book is available in English, Marshallese, Tagalog, and Ilokano, expanding its reach to families who may benefit from health resources in the languages they use at home. It is a strong example of how health information outreach can be both practical and culturally responsive.

NNLM Region 5’s work in Hawaii shows what sustained, community-focused health information outreach can look like in action: free membership, meaningful awards, public-facing exhibits, multilingual resources, and training that supports library workers and community organizations alike. To keep building your skills and expanding your impact, explore NNLM training opportunities at https://www.nnlm.gov/training.