From the Public to Professionals: Health Information as a Bridge to Wellness

Building Bridges to Wellness spans gaps between the community and health information. The Trenton Public Library TPL, The College of New Jersey TCNJ and the Greater Mercer Public Health Partnership GMPHP collaborate to reach community, hospital and government organizations to improve community identified health concerns. We propose multiple forums for disseminating health information to meet the needs of community members and health professionals. Recognizing that community members affected by health issues need a holistic approach to health literacy, we propose to improve health information seeking skills and patient-doctor communication. Health professionals learn about NNLM databases. From school-aged 86 to those in senior centers, fitness and nutrition activities are a hook to expand knowledge of NNLM resources. In 2018, GMPHP conducted a Community Needs Assessment and identified 12 health areas to address. To respond, this collaborative addresses 12 health areas to achieve NNLMs strategic goals. Our approach enhances dissemination of NNLM resources while engaging a diverse group of community members. Lunch and learn sessions for health professionals builds skills in data-driven research and health. Specifically, our project proposes: 1 Providing training to library staff in NNLM resources; 2 Designating a space in the library as a health corner where residents and employees in Trenton can find health information including clinical trials; 3 Sponsoring community outreach and events focusing on Go4Life fitness and nutrition; 4 Replicating the Engage For Health model to improve communication between patients and providers; 5 Disseminating NNLM information and skills for searching NNLM databases for local hospital, state and county Health Departments and health care community based organizations to promote the initiative; and 6 Providing NNLM training to NJ librarians.