Marshall County Public Library Introduces LibMD Kits to Support Community Health
Benton, KY – The Marshall County Public Library is proud to announce the launch of the LibMD project, an innovative health initiative designed to provide vital health information and resources to the residents of Marshall County. Developed in collaboration with the Marshall County Health Department, Mercy Health of Paducah, Baptist Health of Paducah, and other experts from the Marshall County Health Coalition, the LibMD project aims to increase access to reliable health resources, especially for individuals managing recent medical diagnoses.
Each LibMD kit contains carefully curated materials based on interviews with local medical providers. The kits are tailored to common health conditions affecting the community and are designed to help residents better manage their health. Materials include printed literature from trusted nonprofits and government health organizations, such as the American Heart Association, alongside QR codes that link to local resources and vetted online platforms like MedLine Plus. The kits also feature books on healthy living, including cookbooks, and essential medical supplies like blood pressure cuffs. In addition, certain kits contain items patrons may keep, such as blood pressure charts.
Library patrons with a valid library card can check out these kits at any Marshall County Public Library branch. Kits currently available focus on high blood pressure, diabetes management, adult stress relief, and emotional regulation for children. The project aims to make reliable health information easily accessible to everyone, especially in a rural community where healthcare services may be limited.
"The library is a trusted resource within the community," said Tammy Blackwell, Director of the Marshall County Public Library. "With our long-standing reputation for providing well-curated materials and community assistance, we're uniquely positioned to offer these health resources to those who need them."
The LibMD project seeks to address the barriers to healthcare identified in the 2022 Community Health Assessment, including limited access to specialized care, high costs, lack of information, and challenges in scheduling medical appointments. By offering these kits, the library hopes to empower residents with tools and knowledge that will allow them to make informed healthcare decisions, promote preventive care, and reduce unnecessary visits to healthcare providers between check-ups.
The goal of the LibMD project is to combat health misinformation and improve healthcare outcomes by making evidence-based health resources more readily available. The program aligns with the broader mission of the Marshall County Public Library to serve as a hub for learning, well-being, and community support.
The LibMD project was made possible by a generous donation from Benton Wood Products and a grant from the Institute for Museums and Libraries and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.