Public Health Nurse Scrubs in at Richland Library
November 3, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Thanks to a partnership between Richland Library and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), library customers will have access to the knowledge and expertise of a registered nurse starting in November.
Charged with improving the mental and physical health of customers while providing convenient access to accurate health information, the nurse will travel to all 11 library locations and provide the following types of services:
- Information about immunization clinics, health centers and other local resources
- Answers to questions about illnesses, diseases and chronic medical conditions
- Development of health-related library programs and education classes
- Discussions with parents about children’s health issues during storytimes
“The library has always been a place where the community has turned for information they can trust,” said Richland Library Outreach Manager Georgia Coleman. “Now, instead of just pointing them to a resource, the library nurse actually becomes a living, breathing resource that they can talk to, one-on-one during their time of need.”
Drawing inspiration from the successful program at Pima County Public Library in Tucson, Arizona, Richland Library will be the first community location to host a DHEC public health nurse.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Richland Library to provide a health linkage to their customers,” said Angie Olawsky, Director of the DHEC Office of Nursing. “This collaborative partnership provides an innovative approach to ensure that members of the community have direct and convenient access to accurate health information.”
For more information about the library and its work to advance the Midlands, visit RichlandLibrary.com or stop by one of the 11 locations in Richland County.
About Richland Library:
Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 11 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library offers a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit Richland Library.com or call 929-3440.
