Disseminating relevant health information to underserved audiences: implications of the Digital Divide Pilot Projects.
OBJECTIVE
This paper examines the influence of the digital divide on disparities in health outcomes for vulnerable populations, identifying implications for medical and public libraries.


METHODS
The paper describes the results of the Digital Divide Pilot Projects demonstration research programs funded by the National Cancer Institute to test new strategies for disseminating relevant health information to underserved and at-risk audiences.


RESULTS
The Digital Divide Pilot Projects field-tested innovative systemic strategies for helping underserved populations access and utilize relevant health information to make informed health-related decisions about seeking appropriate health care and support, resisting avoidable and significant health risks, and promoting their own health.


CONCLUSIONS
The paper builds on the Digital Divide Pilot Projects by identifying implications for developing health communication strategies that libraries can adopt to provide digital health information to vulnerable populations.
Kreps
Gary L
GL
Department of Communication, George Mason University, Thompson Hall 206 MSN 3D6, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. gkreps@gmu.edu
D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D018966:Library Materials / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007999:Library Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations