Collection Equity Award

The Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Hadley Parrot Library’s current consumer health collection lacks health information relevant to today’s diverse and underrepresented populations. Page 2 of 4 The 2022 Maine Shared Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) identified culturally competent care and health literacy among the top concerns expressed by Maine’s Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Other needs identified in the CHNA include the need for resources to address mental health, suicide prevention, and substance and alcohol use. Additionally, due to the library’s location within a teaching hospital, resources regarding the delivery of culturally competent and inclusive care would benefit providers and students alike. If awarded, the Hadley Parrot Library would use the grant funds to promote health equity, health education and diversity, via the purchase of both print and eBooks for distribution amongst our local and statewide community.