SPOKANE, Wash.- The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) promoted public libraries as a critical component of public health in Spokane during a presentation on Feb. 7.
The webinar, which was shared on social media, featured Spokane County Health Board Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez. He began the presentation by sharing a condensed history of libraries, from ancient to modern history. He then illustrated how they are relevant to his role as the county’s health officer.
Because libraries are one of the main civic venues in which the public congregates, they often are responsible for informing citizens about healthcare issues, educating young people and providing opportunities for Spokane residents.
Velazquez highlighted the downtown library as a particularly significant educational resource for the community due to its vast array of programming and where the building is located.
Public health officials assess not only transferable illnesses, but also social determinants of health.
“Health is not just about what happens at your doctor’s office or the clinic or the hospital, it is about what happens pretty much all around you,” Velazquez said.
Access to education, quality food, water and shelter are examples of social determinants of health which could account for 30 to 55% of individual health outcomes according to the World Health Organization.
The Spokane Public Library system serves a variety of Spokanites, including individuals experiencing housing and food insecurity.
Social Services Manager Bethiah Streeter explained Spokane Public Library’s efforts to connect patrons to the resources they currently lack, including a collaboration with Eastern Washington University (EWU) which introduced social workers and peer mentors to the library system.
The SRHD presentation highlighted the effect of libraries on Spokane’s public health and culture, and argued for the importance of the library system to the Lilac City’s communal success.
