As open enrollment for ACA continues you may be interested in additional resources to add to your website or use with patrons. Below you can find five important websites
to support your library's health information services.
·
MedlinePlus
is a free, comprehensive site of trusted health information provided by the National Library of Medicine. It includes resources for personal health management for different age groups and health care topics, health news, and interactive engagement tools for
visitors. Patrons may find this site useful for exploring personal health considerations in easy-to-understand language.
·
The National Library of Medicine also includes the
National
Network of Libraries of Medicine, which works to extend and improve public access to health information across eight regions nationwide. Regional network centers support collaboration between libraries and other information centers that serve
health information needs. Library staff can identify the region where their library is located and access health information resources specific to their state.
·
HealthCare.gov
is the primary website for individuals to explore and apply for health insurance options available to them as part of the Affordable Care Act. Individuals from
every state can visit this site and be directed to the most relevant resources in their community, simply by identifying the
Affordable Care Act Marketplace where they live. From here, patrons can explore common questions and answers, identify local application and enrollment assistance, and obtain coverage.
·
While much discussion and speculation regarding the Affordable Care Act occurs in the media, the
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services HealthCare site provides clear information about the administration and implications of this complex law, as well as portrays details about many facets of the law for each
state.
·
The
Rural Assistance Center is a portal for health and human services information for specifically for rural communities and stakeholders. Topic and state-specific guides can support patrons and library staff alike in understanding
the health and human services needs and resources in their community.
Please share with us any other favorite sites as you work with community members searching for information on the Affordable Care Act.
Don’t forget that WebJunction offers resources to support libraries responding to health information needs. Visit the Health Happens in Libraries section,
http://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/ehealth.html, for opportunities, ideas and resources for your staff and patrons.
Webinar: the next Health Happens in Libraries webinar is scheduled for 2pm on January 22.
This webinar will provide more information about health information resources available from the National Library of Medicine and the NN/LM to strengthen health literacy of your community. For full details and free registration online visit
http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/health-information-resources-for-library-staff.html
Shannon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shannon D. White
Continuing Education Coordinator
Library of Michigan
702 West Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909-7507
Ph: 517-373-9489; Fax: 517-373-5700
Toll free: 877-479-0021
http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan
The Library of Michigan is pleased to share a new video series highlighting Michigan libraries and how they are making a difference in their communities. To experience
Michigan libraries in a new light, visit
http://brightside.cedam.info/ and watch the 21st Century Libraries episode.