ORAU Develops Training Programs that Help Health Care Professionals Target Special Populations

Equitably distributed health communication resources, especially those related to health issues that disproportionately impact minorities and underserved populations, can help eliminate health disparities.

By accessing quality and accurate health information, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) partnered with the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to establish an educational outreach program to improve minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities’ access to environmental health information. 

Recognizing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as a good avenue to reach these communities, the Environmental Health Information Outreach Program Panel (EnHIOP) began providing computers and training for health professionals at these institutions.

As part of the partnership, ORAU developed and continues to deliver train-the-trainer courses that increase awareness about health issues and use of NLM resources.

Since the pilot involving nine HBCUs, EnHIOP has expanded and now includes the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and additional minority education institutions.

Today, the panel includes other minority institutions, tribal colleges and 17 states, districts or territories, which all play a role in strengthening institutional partnerships, awareness and use of NLM resources.