Health

Sources of Health Information

We live in an "information age." An in-depth research study on a topic such as nutrition in teenagers would identify many thousands of resources on the subject. What resources of information exist? How do we obtain the information? What sources of information will best meet our needs? How do we determine the usefulness and trustworthiness of the information?

What sources of information exist and what are specific examples of each type of source?

• Individuals (family, friends, teachers our health care providers)
• Academic libraries (University of New Mexico, Santa Fe Community College)
• Public libraries (Santa Fe Public Library, Farmington Public Libraries)
• National libraries (National Library of Medicine, Library of Congress)
• National government organizations (Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Senate)
• State and local government organizations (New Mexico Department of Health, Local -- Santa Fe Health Office)
• For-profit corporations (Merck, Johnson & Johnson)
• Non-profit organizations (American Red Cross, Planned Parenthood)
• Associations (American Automobile Association (AAA), AARP
• Places of worship

How and where do we obtain the information?

• Classroom
• Print (magazines, journals, newspapers, newsletters)
• Multi-media (internet, TV, movies, radio, other audio & video)
• Discussion/conversation
• Interviews with experts (phone, online, in-person)
• Professional meetings

What sources of information will best meet our needs?

Determine what type of information you are seeking.  For example:

• Personal opinions
• Facts
• History
• Current News
• Research
• Stories/Anecdotes
• Research Studies

What questions should we ask to determine the usefulness of the data?

• What type of information are you looking for?
• What sources provide the specific type of information you need?
• Which options are accessible, cost-effective, and trustworthy?

Policy Implications and Decision Making>

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