Poster Board Number: 176
Title: HIV/AIDS Health Information Outreach Service in San Diego
Description: This poster depicts the HIV/AIDS Health Information Outreach Service in San Diego, a partnership project between the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) Library, San Diego Public Library, First Lutheran Church, and San Diego Center lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) community organization. The primary objectives were to bridge the HIV/AIDS information gap for health professionals, librarians, and patients and consumers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and to provide access to those in need with the National Library of Medicine's (NLM’s) free resources. Funded, in part, by a 2008 NLM contract award, the PCOM library conducted training on access to HIV/AIDS information on MedlinePlus, AIDSinfo, and Pub Med at partner facilities for their community users. Objectives were to develop instructional materials; train professionals, patients, and residents; provide health literature; and evaluate project outcomes and results. To accomplish the project, a phased methods approach was undertaken, including organizing a project team, enhancing existing library resources, adding library web page links, developing instructional modules, publicizing and scheduling workshops and computer classes in the community, conducting training, and gathering evaluation or comment survey questionnaires from participants. Multiple tasks and a time table assured timely outreach at partner sites to accommodate attendees.
Results: Specific accomplishments in this project were to establish an infrastructure at the partnering institutions for continuous access to HIV/AIDS information and to train consumers and health professionals on how to access the latest information from NLM for their needs. There were 57 workshops and presentations conducted for 1,509 participants at the partner sites. Additional sites requested workshops. Participants were excited about what they learned and submitted favorable evaluations. Why are the outcomes of this important HIV/AIDS service worthy? The service not only provided information to a growing HIV/AIDS affected population in San Diego, but nationally. The project served multicultural citizens, thereby addressing inequalities and reaching the underserved. The HIV/AIDS community has increasing information needs, which require continuing services. Overall, the final outcomes were overwhelming: The library exceeded its outreach goals; received good media coverage (TV channel, KPBS, and AARP); and demonstrated that this type of information is appreciated and needed.
Authors: Naomi C. Broering, AHIP, FMLA, Dean, Libraries; Gregory A. Chauncey, Consumer Health Program Mgr, Library; Stacy Gomes, Vice President, Academic Affairs; Jack Miller, President, Administration; Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego, CA
