Program management and policy issues in information outreach: lessons from Tribal Connections

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Community Health
• Information Science

Background:

• The internet offers new avenues for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities to access vital health information.
• The Pacific Northwest Regional Medical Library (PNRML), part of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, aimed to bridge the digital health information gap for AI/AN populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To facilitate access to high-quality, relevant health information for AI/AN communities in the Pacific Northwest.
• To develop and implement community-driven strategies for improved health information connectivity and utilization.

Main Methods:

• Collaborated with sixteen AI/AN tribes and native village consortia on mutually agreeable connectivity objectives.
• Provided funding for internet connectivity and workstations within AI/AN communities.
• Offered training in effective health information seeking skills for health workers and the public.

Main Results:

• Community-based approaches enabled the PNRML to adapt policies and practices for more effective information outreach.
• Project participants successfully achieved many community-defined goals related to health information access.
• Identified key barriers and facilitators influencing the success of information outreach initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Partnerships between libraries and AI/AN communities can significantly improve health information access and digital inclusion.
• Lessons learned from this project offer valuable insights for broader outreach endeavors targeting underserved populations.
• Community-centered methodologies are crucial for successful and sustainable health information programs.