All branches of the Ocean County Library will be closed Friday, March 29, for Good Friday, and Sunday, March 31, for Easter Sunday.

Ocean County Library Joins Libraries Statewide In Offering NJHealthConnect@YourLibrary

April 29, 2022

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library System is proud to join libraries throughout New Jersey in helping to increase free access to quality health care. NJHealthConnect@YourLibrary will be available through September 30, 2022.

iPads that are pre-loaded with telemedicine apps and virtual meeting apps for job interviews are available for use at the Lakewood, Berkeley, and Little Egg Harbor branches.

The ongoing pandemic has spotlighted inequities in the healthcare system, especially among new immigrants, elderly residents, and low wage earners who lack access to medical care, technology, and necessary facts for informed health choices.

Marginalized community members face obstacles to scheduling doctor appointments, such as language or reading-level barriers, prohibitive medical insurance costs, and irregular work hours.

The Ocean County Library is taking an active role in levelling the playing field, through NJHealthConnect@YourLibrary, administered by the New Jersey State Library and supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“This innovative resource harnesses vital technology, and reinforces the Ocean County Library’s role as a forum of equal access, regardless of individual circumstances,” said Library Director Susan Quinn. “We strongly encourage residents to explore it.”

The devices will allow users to set medical appointments, access multi-lingual health information, find low-literacy health resources, locate mental health support groups and crisis hotlines for adults and teens, and stay abreast of COVID updates.

Telemedicine provides a more affordable, portable and convenient lifeline for individuals, with or without medical insurance, to reach doctors. It helps people to obtain early-stage diagnoses, prevent ailments, seek early treatment intervention, and acquire or renew medications.

NJHealthConnect iPads can be reserved for same-day, in-branch use. Library staffers will ensure that user space permits privacy.

Learn more about the service at www.njstatelibr.org/njhealthconnect.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

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