Libraries are frequently forced to deal with people's health problems. That's why some are adding medical professionals to their staff.
“I’m always surprised by how many health questions I get,” said Renee Pokorny, branch supervisor at the Philadelphia Free Library.
It's no surprise that she's surprised. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center study, 73 percent of people who visit a public library in America go looking for answers about their health.
“People tend to be more comfortable asking their librarians something rather than their doctor where they might feel rushed or intimidated,” said Pokorny.
But as well-read as they may be, librarians aren't equipped to offer serious health advice or care. Adding to this troublesome trend is the fact that most of the people seeking medical help at libraries are homeless or mentally ill and in need of more care than the average person.
Instead of making the people go to the doctor, though, public libraries in Philadelphia and a small number of other places are bringing health services directly to their patrons.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
4 comments:
Wicomico County's library has a very large self-help and health section, good for some helpful and interesting reading.
Mostly unread and rarely followed.
As if libraries don't have enough problems staying open, now they're gonna have to staff medical people? Unreal.
Yeah, obama is so great by the time folks pay their premiums, they can't afford a doctor.
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