NNLM Community Engagement Network Ambassador Program: Indianapolis

The NNLM Community Engagement Network Ambassador Program: Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN, will serve as a vital link between the NNLM Community Engagement Network, public libraries, community organizations, and individuals from underrepresented in biomedical research populations across Marion County, Indiana. Over the next year, a team of experienced health sciences librarians from IUPUI University Library UL, in collaboration with strategic partners including the Indianapolis Public Library IPL, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and several community non-profits, will plan and host a series of health education programs for the public, as well as provide training for public library staff and leaders of partner community organizations. In partnership with these organizations, we will identify opportunities to exhibit at area community events and health fairs. Three specific branch libraries have been chosen for monthly programming at each branch, including a series of presentations on nutrition-related health topics that are relevant to the branch populations, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. All of these programs will seek to improve access to health information among marginalized populations by providing health literacy instruction and promoting consumer health information resources developed and made available by the National Library of Medicine NLM. All instructional and informational sessions will include Research Program information to highlight the importance of reliable health information to the Program. IUPUI UL will provide professional library staff to plan and implement these programs within the community, and provide necessary oversight to ensure assessment and positive outcomes.