Funding Awarded to Charlevoix Public Library for “Improving Health Awareness Through Access to Quality Health Information”

Posted by Bobbi Newman on May 9th, 2018 Posted in: Funding, Public Libraries

I am excited to announce funding for this project led by Susan Kroll!

Project Description:

This project will load 20 iPads with NLM consumer health information for adults and children. This project is a partnership between the Charlevoix Public Library and the Munson Charlevoix Hospital Education Department. The iPads will be placed in the Library, the Hospital Wellness Workshop facility, in selected physicians’ and school nurse offices and used in health clinics for American Indians and community senior events. The Health Librarian will train the health professionals to use the iPads and review specific NLM databases. The information will be reviewed semi-annually to ensure that the resources are up to date. The rural counties of Antrim and Charlevoix counties which constitutes the Library and Hospital’s patron base have many health challenges associated with obesity, diabetes, and alcoholism. Access to mental health professionals and specialists is scarce. These chronic health issues combined with a general population that has limited computer skills make this an ideal environment to provide NLM health information for adults and children on user-friendly iPads. The mission of the Charlevoix Public Library is to connect the community to resources that educate, enrich and empower. The Library has been a partner with the Munson Charlevoix Hospital Wellness Workshop since inception, providing community health information based on NLM resources. The Wellness Workshop supports the Hospitals’ mission to improve the health and wellness of the community through health education, nutrition classes, and health screenings.

ABOUT Bobbi Newman
Bobbi Newman (MLIS, MA) is the Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist for NNLM R6 at the University of Iowa. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries. She developed the popular NNLM course “Wellness in the Library Workplace.” Bobbi is a mindfulness student and a member of Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Let’s Move in Libraries. She divides her time between her dog, reading fantasy and nonfiction, playing video games, crafting, kayaking, biking, and gardening.

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