Staff Bio
Brandon Kennedy, MLIS
Health Information Strategist, Region 3
Brandon Kennedy (He/They) is the Health Information Strategist for the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) - Region 3 at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Brandon graduated with his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Missouri under the Catalysts for Community Health Grant. This grant allowed him to participate in an experiential and field-based learning environment to provide health resources to underserved and underrepresented communities through library services. This led him to create a comprehensive guide for Colorado residents with information on viable LGBTQ+ Health organizations in the state and nationwide. Brandon's professional interests involve: LGBTQ+ Health, health literacy in underserved communities, and community outreach. As a Health Information Strategist in Region 3 Brandon looks to work with Community Health Workers and public health organizations to address health literacy within the region.
Classes I Teach
| Event Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| A Librarian's Guide to Consumer Health | This 4-week, 4 credit-hour self-paced online class (Formerly Beyond an Apple a Day) covers the health information seeking behavior of consumers and the role of the librarian in the provision of health information for the public. |
| Beyond the Binary: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Health |
The class aims to provide culturally appropriate health information and resources for LGBTQIA+ populations and the librarians and health care practitioners who support them. We have done our best to use culturally sensitive language and examples recognizing that language on this topic, like gender and sexuality, can be fluid. Providing access to health information for and about these populations is extremely important. The topic of gender and LGBTQIA+ issues may be sensitive for some. Social stigma, fear, or rejection is real for many people. It is essential to bring awareness to these issues and create practices around addressing them. This class connects with NNLM initiatives addressing Environmental Determinants of Health and Confronting Health Misinformation. |
| Digital Literacy in a Rural Community | The library’s digital navigator and outreach coordinator will discuss coordinating events and programs at the library that engage and enrich its community of users. |
| Effective Health Communication and Health Literacy: Understanding the Connection - August 7, 2024 | This 1 hour webinar introduces the concepts of health literacy and health communication. This presentation addresses improving health literacy, by including information about the NLM/NIH resource MedlinePlus.gov. |
