All Health is Local

Abstract

Abstract Go Local Massachusetts (GLM) is a Web-based resource designed to help the residents of Massachusetts identify health services, health care providers, and health-related programs available in their local area. Go Local is an extension of MedlinePlus(r), the National Library of Medicine's Web site for consumer health information. The goals of GLM are to (1) identify local health care service resources, (2) link the resources to subjects within the MedlinePlus database, and (3) increase collaboration between entities in Massachusetts with health information technology, making these services available to all residents of the state. This article describes the process of developing GLM, including establishing state-wide partnerships, building the database, and promoting the resource to librarians, health care providers, and the general public.