UNTHSC library aims at health literacy

To fix a health problem, you must know there is one in the first place.

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine gave the Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library a $6.2 million grant and designated it a regional medical library this month.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center facility is now part of a nationwide effort to “equalize and enhance access to health information for everyone,” a news statement says.

It will fund outreach programs that teach health literacy and educate people on how to make the best health decisions for themselves.

Programs range from nutrition classes for senior citizens to work with Native American communities.

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine says, “Low health literacy is linked to higher risk of death and more emergency room visits and hospitalizations.”

The library’s programs will create healthier routines, have more people use preventive measures and ultimately get people treatment before it becomes too late.

This story was originally published May 10, 2016 at 5:49 PM with the headline "UNTHSC library aims at health literacy."