NN/LM SE/A Partners with HUD
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Southeastern Atlantic Region has partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Neighborhood Networks Initiative to conduct train-the-trainer sessions at five pilot sites in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. These sessions include finding reliable health information online and a module on funding. Center staff will be trained on MedlinePlus and other National Library of Medicine health information resources. Staff will also receive information on locating funding resources and how to develop a fundable proposal.
Neighborhood Networks was created in 1995 to encourage property owners to establish multi-service community learning centers in HUD-insured and assisted properties. Neighborhood Networks was one of the first federal initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and help provide computer access to low-income housing communities. A few of the goals of the centers is to: improve computer access, advance literacy, prepare residents to take advantage of employment opportunities, and provide access to healthcare information and other social services. Nearly all centers offer job training and educational opportunities, and many also provide programs that include access to healthcare information and microenterprise development. These centers are doing some very creative things by providing programs and activities that benefit the residents and communities in which they live.
One training session has taken place at the West Ford Center in Alexandria, Virginia and was well-received. NN/LM staff in other regions have been contacted to conduct similar sessions in their areas. Training materials developed will be freely shared with the hope that all regions in the Network will participate. In the future, there may be opportunities for SE/A librarians to partner with their local Neighborhood Network centers.
For more information about Neighborhood Networks, visit http://www.neighborhoodnetworks.org
