STATE News:
SANTA FE – It’s no surprise that accessing healthcare in New Mexico’s sparsely populated and geographically isolated communities is difficult. There is a vast health and broadband “desert” in this state and New Mexico State Library, together with The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, is working hard to solve this issue through telehealth booths at public libraries.
Designed to fit within a public library space, these 7 x 7 x 10-foot standalone booths are soundproof, private, ADA compliant, and equipped with a computer connected to high-speed internet. Community members can use the telehealth booths free for virtual doctor or nurse appointments, mental health therapy sessions, specialist consultations, and more.
“Access to high-speed internet, reliable devices, and helpful staff in our libraries shows what digital opportunity truly means for rural communities. Offering privacy booths and health literacy materials is an important step in supporting better health outcomes for our rural library patrons,” said Bo Ford, Digital Equity Program Manager at New Mexico State Library.
The program, which was launched last summer, has grown, with seven telehealth booths at public and tribal libraries in Aztec, Fort Sumner, Gallup, Mescalero Apache Reservation, Hobbs, Bayard, and Columbus. Through funding from the US Department of Agriculture Telemedicine & Distance Learning Grant, and the Network of the National Libraries of Medicine Region 4, the State Library and UNM Health Sciences Center, access to quality healthcare has improved.
“New Mexico’s rural libraries are hidden treasures serving our diverse communities. Installing soundproof booths that can be used for telehealth in underserved communities and supporting library staff via resources and training improves access to both health care and health information, two vital human needs,” said Deirdre Caparoso, Outreach and Community Engagement Librarian at UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center.
It takes considerable support to install a telehealth booth and both Ford and Caparoso are involved in helping libraries. From funding to technical setup and training for librarians, they work together to make sure the booths function for both the library and patrons. In addition to increasing the number of library booths, Ford and Caparoso are looking for ways to partner with the New Mexico Department of Health and health care providers, so more people learn how to use the booths.
“Partnerships with groups like the New Mexico Department of Health and UNM Health and Information Science Library show how groups can work together to provide shared resources, services, and information to the people who need them most. Closing the digital divide in New Mexico means meeting library patrons where they are and rethinking how libraries serve their communities beyond the books,” Ford said.
The telehealth booth program is made possible with funding support from the USDA Rural Development/Rural Utilities Service and is one of many programs that the New Mexico State Library offers as part of its mission to promote equitable access to knowledge, skills, and wellness resources for New Mexicans. Access to rural healthcare is a critical area the state has been tackling through legislation and funding, so the State Library’s investment in healthcare technology is a boon to these statewide efforts.
Residents can learn more about the telehealth booths online at nmstatelibrary.org/happening-now/.
About New Mexico State Library
The New Mexico State Library, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, provides services that support public libraries, as well as direct library services to rural populations, state agencies, the visually impaired and physically disabled, and students and citizens conducting research. For more information about New Mexico State Library, visit nmstatelibrary.org.