2015-2016 AT Still Memorial Library K-12 Connecting Kids and Health Information via Community Partnerships

Abstract

This project focuses on developing and strengthening key partnerships to benefit community access to health information. Margaret Hoogland, of A.T. Still Memorial Library at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) will collaborate with Melissa Kinney, librarian and instructor at William Mathew Middle School (WMMS) in Kirksville, Missouri, and NEMO Heart Health Corporation (NHH) – a volunteer community health organization. Partners will pilot a program during the 2015-2016 academic year instructing students on the basics of evaluating and using online health information. The NHH website (www.nemohearthealth.com) will be updated to include targeted health and science resources from the National Libraries of Medicine and used as an instructive tool for students. Providing access to quality health information supports healthier lifestyles and encourages habits and skills that students can share with family and peers. Instilling these values at a young age can positively influence the outlook of students before they enter the teen years. Further, providing credible, user-friendly, and up-to-date content on the NHH website promotes NHH’s mission to encourage heart-healthy living throughout Kirksville and surrounding rural counties. If successful, this pilot program could become part of future NHH programming via expansion into other nearby schools.