Consumer Health Program Plans, 2006-2011
As we head into the new contract period, there are some exciting developments in the consumer health program. Terri Ottosen has developed a new class entitled, The ABCs of DNA: Unraveling the Mystery of Genetics Information for Consumers. This class has been approved by the Medical Library Association for 4 credit hours and will be offered at the Joint MAC/SC meeting in Atlanta in October. It was developed as an introduction to the concepts of genetics and is intended to assist those working with the public, rather than an advanced class on searching the molecular biology databases. The following is a description of the class:
Consumers need access to information and resources about genetic information in a manner that is understandable. Librarians working with the public need to be aware of the issues surrounding genetics and resources to assist patrons in locating and evaluating sometimes complex and confusing information. This class explores basic concepts such as genes and chromosomes and offers an overview of genetic disorders, genetic testing, genetic counseling, and the human genome project. Ethical and legal issues associated with genetic disorders will be covered with regard to privacy, discrimination and potential legislative impact on medicine and society. A variety of reliable health information resources will be demonstrated, including: Genetics Home Reference, ClinicalTrials.gov, CHID (Combined Health Information Database), NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), and MedlinePlus among others. This 4-hour hands-on class is intended for consumers, public librarians, and health sciences librarians who work with the public.
Additionally, a training class has been developed to aid organizations who seek NN/LM SE/A funding. In collaboration with the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) for the consumer health program, an idea to create a series of tutorials and trainings using a “wish” theme known as the Wishing Well series was developed. The first module entitled Wishful Thinking, is given in presentation style and covers an introduction to the NN/LM SE/A, gives ideas for projects, partnership tips, and covers examples of successful past projects. This training would be available to anyone seeking funding from us including librarians, community-based or faith-based organizations, and other organizations wanting to improve access of health information in their communities. There are three additional modules to be developed over the contract period. These will be offered online. Each module will delve deeper into the funding process and include information on full proposal writing and development, community needs assessment, reporting, evaluation and sustainability. We hope that these training modules will assist those seeking funding for the first time or those looking for guidance or assistance with the funding process.
The consumer health program and other program areas of the NN/LM SE/A are in the process of selecting volunteers to serve on the Regional Advisory Committees. For this contract period, a new decentralized structure will allow four advisory committees and an oversight committee. The four RAC committees will each focus on a specific program area: outreach to health professionals, consumer health, access, and technology. For more information, please see: http://nnlm.gov/sea/about/rac.html
