From the HHS Press release:

HHS Launches New Consumer Focused Health Care Website www.HealthCare.gov

A Powerful New Information Tool That
Will Give Consumers More Control Over Their Own Health Care
and Allow Them to Compare Their Coverage Option

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today unveiled an innovative new on-line tool that will help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage.  Called for by the Affordable Care Act, HealthCare.gov is the first website to provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool. 

“HealthCare.gov  helps consumers take control of their health care and make the choices that are right for them, by putting the power of information at their fingertips,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  “For too long, the insurance market has been confusing and hard to navigate.  HealthCare.gov makes it easy for consumers and small businesses to compare health insurance plans in both the public and the private sector and find other important health care information.” (Read More.)

MESSAGE FROM NLM:

On Wednesday, July 14, MedlinePlus will unveil a completely redesigned site with a freshened look and feel, a new logo, and distinctive color schemes for English and Spanish pages. The content on the current site will still be available in the new design, with some exciting new features and enhancements. The new design emphasizes search, makes navigation more intuitive, and highlights frequently used content.  We invite you to preview the new design and read more about the changes.

Once the new look is live next week, please visit MedlinePlus, and send us your feedback and comments about the new design via the Contact Us link that appears on every page.

From the Department of Health & Human Services—Office of Public Health & Science (HHS/OPHS): 

The Secretary’s Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020 will hold a web meeting on Monday, July 26, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The meeting will be open to the public.  

To attend the online meeting, individuals must pre-register at the Healthy People Web site at www.healthypeople.gov/hp2020/advisory/default.asp.

There will be no opportunity for oral public comments during the meeting. Participation in the meeting is limited. Registrations will be accepted until maximum capacity is reached. Registration deadline for the online meeting is 9:00 a.m. EDT on July 26, 2010.

A waiting list will be maintained should registrations exceed meeting capacity. Individuals on the waiting list will be contacted as additional space for the meeting becomes available. For detailed instructions about how to make sure that your Windows-based computer and browser are set up for the online meeting using WebEx software, please visit the Healthy People Web site at www.healthypeople.gov/hp2020/advisory/default.asp. Registration questions may be directed to Hilary Scherer at HP2020@norc.org (e-mail), (301) 634-9374 (phone), or (301) 634-9301 (fax).

MAR invites members to participate in the Value of Library and Information Services in Patient Care study. The study will be conducted in Fall 2010. Only institutions that provide patient care are eligible to participate.

Using a web-based survey and interviews, the study will investigate 1) the use and value of the print and electronic resources provided by the library and 2) the information services provided by the librarian that aid in the clinical decision-making. Participating sites will be asked to identify an institutional champion who will help promote the importance of the study, and to send a survey invitation and reminders to physicians, residents, and nurses in their institution.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the Study Participation Interest Form by August 6, 2010. All members who express interest will be contacted regarding their eligibility for participation. The study team will make the final selection of participants so that a range of types and sizes of institutions in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are included. Again, only institutions that provide patient care are eligible to participate.

Please contact MAR Network Services Coordinator Neil Romanosky (neil.romanosky@med.nyu.edu) or MAR Planning and Evaluation Coordinator Sue Hunter (sue.hunter@med.nyu.edu) with questions about the study.