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NNLM trainer Nick Vera shows libraries where to find mental-health resources
Summary
In a recorded NNLM webinar, Nick Vera walked library staff through public-facing mental-health information sources — including NNLM guides, MedlinePlus, DailyMed, NIMH and SAMHSA — and suggested programming and outreach ideas to connect patrons with care.
Nick Vera, user experience and engagement strategist for NNLM Region 2, led a webinar demonstrating online mental-health resources that libraries can use to help patrons find information and local services. "Nearly 1 in 4 adults in The US or approximately 59000000 people have experienced some sort of mental illness in the past year," Vera said while framing libraries as public spaces that can reduce stigma and point patrons to trusted information.
Vera opened with logistical notes — a handout link and closed captioning — then described the day's agenda: a review of mental-health prevalence data, demonstrations of curated resource lists and government sites, and ideas for library programming. He stressed one limitation: the session did not offer advice on how to respond to an individual experiencing an active mental-health crisis and instead focused on referral resources and printed/downloadable materials.
Vera recommended that librarians bookmark the NNLM public-library guide's behavioral and mental-health tab for quick access to crisis helplines and a ZIP-code-based locator for local treatment. He also encouraged attendees to complete the webinar evaluation to claim CE credit and to sign up for NNLM announcements for future trainings.
