Health and well-being are influenced by a variety of factors including one's physical health, relationships, intellect, occupation, finances, environment, sexuality, and spirituality. Libraries of all types have the ability to provide information, resources, and programs to support and improve all these aspects of our lives.
How can libraries support the social determinants of health?
- Maintain a current collection of resources to support wellness and public health.
- Create displays that feature wellness, community supports, and pubic health information.
- Plan community awareness events such as forums on topics like homelessness, diversity, senior health, backpack/winter supply drives, and suicide prevention.
- Host programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, provide opportunities for socializing; and connect patrons with local organizations and resources
- Create resource guides to connect patrons with local social services resources.
- Partner with social service providers, social workers, homelessness engagement coordinators, health sciences librarians, public health staff, and health care providers.
- Host vaccination clinics.
- Have local contacts for community supports ready to provide to patrons in-crisis.
- Learn more: trainings and professional reading.
Health and well-being are influenced by a variety of factors including one's physical health, relationships, intellect, occupation, finances, environment, sexuality, and spirituality. Libraries of all types have the ability to provide information, resources, and programs to support and improve all these aspects of our lives.