This quilt patch, called “Reflections for Women,” reveals different aspects about one woman’s life. The “Art and Health” section of the Healthy Texas Web site features community members’ artwork and stories about their health experiences. To learn more, visit www.HealthyTexas.org.
Printer Friendly Format

A one-stop spot providing health information for millions of South Texans is now accessible thanks to a partnership between the Health Science Center Libraries, and the Women and Family Health Information Network (The Network). They have collaborated to create Healthy Texas, a Web site that spotlights health topics prevalent in South Texas and provides a directory of health care services for 38 counties. www.HealthyTexas.org.

Healthy Texas specifically benefits those with lower reading levels, and lower health and computer literacy levels. Dozens of health and community organizations have contributed a wealth of health information to the site that is personalized for South Texans.

Mary Moore, Ph.D., director of the Briscoe Library, said after joining the Health Science Center in 2003 she learned about a community effort to design this consumer health Web site.

“I thought the library could be helpful to the many community organizations that were behind this effort,” Dr. Moore said. “Libraries across the nation have developed Web sites to support local consumer health, so it seemed natural that our local health library should help community-based organizations to develop this service. It pertains directly to ourselves, family members, neighbors and friends, and serves as a place for all South Texans to obtain quality health information.”

Among several official Web sites, a link to the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus is available through Healthy Texas to provide access to more detailed information.

“Our goal is to supply South Texans with clear and accurate information, and focus on the prevention of health problems. Content is written at the sixth grade level and the Web site was carefully designed to be easy to use for those who are not familiar with the Web,” Dr. Moore said.

The site includes examples of local artwork, and an online directory includes thousands of health care providers, support groups and facilities that can benefit everyone.

Visitors of Healthy Texas will never be asked to register – all users remain anonymous.

“We want individuals to feel like they can ask personal questions,” Dr. Moore said. “Therefore, all visitors’ information is kept private.”

Dozens of individuals and organizations strategically planned the Healthy Texas Web site.

Art, poetry and stories are accepted as contributions to the Web site and are already featured on it. Dr. Moore said community input is what makes it so unique.

Healthy Texas was launched last month and many of its topics are drawn from Healthy Border 2010 – a bi-national agenda designed by the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission to facilitate community-based solutions for health concerns and increase access to health services.

The Web site was made possible by numerous organizations and individuals, including Deborah Kaercher, founding director of The Network, and a grant from the SBC Foundation.

“I must also acknowledge A. Jerome York, vice president and chief information officer, for his assistance in gaining the support from the SBC Foundation,” Dr. Moore said. “Our dedicated library staff, Healthy Texas contract workers and partners also played a significant role in the development of the Web site.”

Some benefits of Healthy Texas:
• Bilingual parents and children will find it easy to use.
• Teenagers can expand their knowledge on health issues.
• Links to more comprehensive health information will benefit all audiences.
• The online directory can apply to everyone.

Possible plans for the future:
• Provide a Spanish version
• Double the number of health topics so the health topics of most concern to South Texans will be addressed
• Increase the use of local examples and expert commentary
• Promote the resource more widely at public libraries, community centers and possibly through billboards
• Enhance the art and health section for individuals to be able to express themselves through art, poetry and stories about health experiences
• Possible Healthy Texas Web site for those across the border

For more information about the Web site, e-mail moorem3@uthscsa.edu.