The Community of Research Scholars (CoRS)-Health Spaces & Technology Research Community (HSTRC), received a grant from the NIH National Network of Libraries of Medicine to develop the project, "The HELP-US (Improve Accessibility of Health Information during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Health Education for Living during the Pandemic – United States)." This effort is designed to increase access to mental and physical health information during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to reduce health disparities among underserved populations in the Memphis area. This work is the result of a collaborative partnership between the University of Memphis Community of Research Scholars (CoRS) and Memphis Public Libraries, led by Dr. Irma Singarella, Health Sciences Librarian, UofM associate professor and convener of the 2020-21 Health Spaces and Technology CoRS.
During 2020, CoRS developed and began to administer a Community Health Needs survey, which identified ways Memphis residents used the Memphis Public Libraries to support their physical and mental wellness. Preliminary results indicated a strong need for information and training about mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers are still recruiting participants via this link 2020 Community Health Needs Assessment.
In response to the community needs, CoRS provided six webinars training participants to recognize and respond to two critical areas of mental health: 1) Suicide prevention using the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) approach; and 2) Chronic childhood trauma, or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Each month from February through April 2021, Dr. Susan Elswick, associate professor in the Department of Social Work, delivered one QPR Suicide Prevention webinar and one ACEs Training webinar. The primary goal of the webinars were to train Memphis Public Libraries staff, who in turn act as a resource to underserved populations within the Memphis community. The webinars were also advertised through social media and library postings and remain available to anyone interested in increasing mental health awareness and literacy. Webinar recordings and more information on the Health Spaces and Technology CoRS may be viewed on the CoRS training webpage.
For more information on this award or the project, contact Singarella at qnnsmras@memphis.edu.
Web links: