The aim of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Disaster Information Management Resource Center (DIMRC) http://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/ is to provide access to quality disaster health information to the nation at all stages of preparation, response, mitigation and recovery. For more information about the DIMRC, see the Fact Sheet: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/dimrcfs.html

Find out more information About the Center, NLM Disaster Information Resources, and Projects, Partnerships, and Program. The DIMRC is a service of Specialized Information Services (SIS).

Several states in the Greater Midwest Region have been seriously affected by storms and flooding.

We have received reports from several regional medical and academic centers and hospitals. So far we have the following reports.

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How we spent the week before spring break with several hundred teenagers!

Kathy Smart, MS, RN (KS): A significant strength of the Children’s Health Resource Center (CHRC) collection at Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital (ALGCH) is the depth of educational resources we have for parents and children. As CHRC coordinator, I noticed an increase in requests for sensitive teen health information. To address this need, I met with hospital professionals and community stakeholders to discuss our perceptions of teen health information needs. While these discussions provided valuable information, I wondered, How will I truly assess what our local teenagers want to know about their health unless I ask them? Nurse that I am, I did not want to ask teenagers about their health information needs without giving them any resources to guide them in return.

Lisa Jacob, MALS (LJ): For several years as an Advocate Library Network librarian, I had been forwarding the GMR consumer health funding announcements to Kathy. She took the bait in 2007 and was told she needed a GMR member to be her sponsor so she came back to me. Together we decided to develop a presentation featuring MedlinePlus® to educate teens about how to find reliable health information on the Internet. (more…)

By Barbara Platts, MLIS, AHIP
Munson Healthcare
Traverse City, MI

My 3-year journey to explore the feasibility of embracing federated search engine technology, recently culmunated with a trip to the 2008 Computers in Libraries Conference (CIL) in Arlington, Virginia. Thanks to the generous support of a GMR Professional Development Award, I was able to attend a number of sessions specifically related to current federated search engine applications. In addition, I was able to speak with identified vendors to set up trials upon my return from the conference, and network with colleagues who use this technology. (more…)

As the new GMR Technology Coordinator, I attended my first MLA 2008 full annual conference this year in the Windy City. I am also learning quite a bit about how the NN/LM works and meeting colleagues from across the country was a big help. What was also a huge help was being able to attend some of the National Library of Medicine Theater Presentations in the Exhibit Hall. If you were not able to attend MLA 2008, you can still watch them now - FREE! (more…)

The GMR has just completed the second year of our five year contract. Congratulations to our awardees and subcontractors. For more information about these projects, please check the following URL: http://nnlm.gov/gmr/funding/recipients.html.

We thank these recipients for supporting the mission of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. The list of awardees and subcontractors is as follows: (more…)

By Sue Coenen, MLIS, MS
Outreach Librarian
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI

The Medical College of Wisconsin Libraries recently collaborated with six parish nurses in Milwaukee’s central city on a National Network of Libraries of Medicine Greater Midwest Region (NN/LM GMR) Outreach Express Award entitled LCD Projectors for Parish Nurses Serving Milwaukee’s Central City. The projectors, which were used with laptop computers received through a previous NN/LM GMR Health Disparities subcontract, helped to enhance the nurses’ ability to present information to their parishioners and other community members on health topics such as diabetes, stress management, and prenatal care. (more…)

2008 Midwest Chapter MLA / MHSLA Joint Conference

by Barbara Platts, MLIS, AHIP
Munson Healthcare
Traverse City, MI

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2008 Midwest Chapter MLA / MHSLA Joint Conference

by Barbara Platts, MLIS, AHIP
Munson Healthcare
Traverse City, MI

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Anna Ercoli Schnitzer
InfoPoint Librarian
Health Sciences Libraries
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

Health Fair for Michigan’s Uninsured Children

On April 29, 2008, the Washtenaw County (Michigan) Department of Health and Human Services highlighted the need for health insurance for all children by holding a free Children’s Health and Enrollment Fair at the Towner Health and Human Services Complex in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The University of Michigan Health Sciences Libraries were represented along with Blue Care Network; Engage Project (volunteering for clinical studies at the University of Michigan Health System); Women, Infants and Children (WIC); and various relevant nutrition and parenting groups. (more…)