Advocating for Health at your Library

The Need for Help with Health 2nd most popular online search category (after community news and information) 59% of U.S. adults searched online for health information last year > 1/3 have used the internet in an attempt to diagnose a medical condition > ¼ of internet users who looked for health information online hit a paywall

The Need for Help with Health Americans need accessible and authoritative help to: Research symptoms and recognize when to seek expert care Understand proper uses of prescription and non-prescription drugs Maintain health through appropriate nutrition, personal care, and exercise Identify local resources to address their health needs This session is the result of a $100,000 grant that PLA received from Community Catalyst, a health care advocacy group, which was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Partners: Feeding America Black Women’s Health Initiative Out 2 Enroll National Association of Community Health Centers American Association on Health and Disability Unidos Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum NJ Citizen Action

The Need for Help with Health Americans need accessible and authoritative help to: Address the healthcare and wellness needs of others Research medical provider and insurance options Identify solutions to environmental and other communitywide concerns Plan resources for future healthcare needs

Fake News & Misinformation Why Libraries and Health? Fake News & Misinformation

Why Libraries and Health? Equity!

Why Libraries and Health? Community Health Needs!

Libraries Can Impact Health Experience in developing literacy Access to technology Authoritative information >70% of Americans believe libraries help people find health information > 1/3 of library computers users (~28 million people) pursue information on health and wellness 1 in 5 libraries collaborate with health professionals on screenings

What do Libraries do? Health reference Health and wellness programming Partnerships Collection development Staff training Staff health Digital literacy

Health Literacy “The degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, communicate, process, and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions”

Health Literacy Low Health Literacy (LHL) more than 90 million US adults have LHL: Adults 65+ years of age Racial and ethnic groups other than White Recent refugees and immigrants People with less than a high school degree or GED People with incomes at or below the poverty level Non-native speakers of English

Health Literacy LHL is associated with: Increased hospital use Less screening for breast cancer Lower immunization rates Higher risk of mortality for seniors 

Libraries are doing a lot! Access to authoritative information Programming One-on-one assistance Fitness classes Nutrition guidance Social workers Access Programming One-one-one health assistance Fitness Nutrition Guidance Access to health databases  Health programming on aging, dementia, healthy lifestyles, cooking, mental health  Health screenings  Services and 1-on-1 counseling on Medicare, Rx drugs  Annual Summer Wellness Summit  Workshops on medical power of attorney  Positive Aging series  Local hospital partnership  Senior Expo  Health fairs  Blood drives  Brochure on local resources  Signs and displays to encourage physical activity, proper nutrition  Children’s garden  Rain barrels  Seed library  Zumba  Pilates  Yoga  Tai Chi  Health related exhibits  Staff wellness programs  Exercise equipment to loan  Staff Fitbit challenges  Staff laughter program  Staff CPR training  Programming for individuals with special needs  Physically active story times  Administering Narcan  Employing social workers in the library

[Insert your library’s health initiatives] Insert your library logo

[Define your health advocacy goal for your library]

[Identify target audience(s)] [Who do you need to reach and persuade in order to be successful with your health advocacy efforts?]

[Use library perception information and impact data] [Gather evidence of what people think and feel about the library in terms of helping people achieve their health goals. Add evidence of how libraries improve their communities can help persuade and motivate audiences]

[Use library advocacy messaging] [A core message is the message you want your target audience to remember above everything else, what you want your audience to do, why they should care.]

[Share your library story] [Use facts and examples to strengthen your library story. Keep in mind that different stories appeal to different audiences. ]