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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Gale Dutcher, MLS, MS, Specialized Information Services, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20852, 301/496-5082, DUTCHERG@mail.nlm.nih.gov
In 1993 the National Library of Medicine hosted an NIH conference on HIV/AIDS information services with the two-fold goal of informing the participants about information available from NIH and to learn about the information needs of the various constituency groups for HIV/AIDS information. Input from the community, represented by advocacy groups and community-based organizations, was clear. They needed access to technology, training, and better resources. In addition, these organizations wanted support to develop programs and services that specifically met the needs of their communities. In response, NLM initiated information outreach programs designed to meet these needs.
In 1994 an annual funding program was started to provide $25,000 to community organizations and libraries to enhance access to HIV/AIDS-related health and medical information for the affected community, their caregivers and the general public. Based upon this initial experience with HIV/AIDS information for the community, NLM began working with a number of different types of groups to raise awareness about the wealth of quality medical information resources available for the public and to improve access by providing equipment, training, and making the connections to libraries. Projects range from supporting the development of a computer resource center and providing training in accessing health information in a community adversely impacted by toxic chemicals left behind in an abandoned factory to working with immigrant communities to identify or develop resources in their languages and for their cultures. NLM has learned a number of lessons from these interactions about project leadership, community involvement, partnerships, and sustainability.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Outreach Programs, Internet
Related Web page: sis.nlm.nih.gov/
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Library of Medicine
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee