The landscape of our economy and social services networks shifts beneath our feet, neighbors will increasingly turn to their most trusted local resource: the local library to find their footing and some stability. This means that an increasing burden will be placed on our staff to have some basic knowledge about these services, resources, and needs.
We need some basic vocabulary, some direct links, and a whole lot of patience and empathy. I can help with the first two. After all, that’s some dictionary and directory stuff! Basic reference resources!
For the rest of April and until the middle of May, I’ve invited Colorado-based partners to help us understand some topics and provide us a resource network to access for answering our neighbors’ most basic needs.
All of these webinars are relevant to and provide partnership/ resources for libraries and communities anywhere in Colorado. Virtual and in-person services are available from all partners providing their expertise and information.
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Application Assistance with Benefits in Action
- Date: April 14, 2025, Monday
- Time: 12PM to 1PM
- Register here for Zoom
- Description: Benefits in Action is a Colorado nonprofit organization serving individuals statewide. We strive to increase understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare resources. Our team of navigators work with individuals to help them recognize the health-related benefits they qualify for, apply to those benefits, and utilize them as effectively as possible.
Medicare 101with Benefits in Action
- Date: April 30, 2025, Wednesday
- Time: 11AM to 12PM
- Register here for Zoom
- Description: New to Medicare or need updated information on plan options? Join a Medicare counselor from Benefits In Action for this unbiased review of the A, B, C and D’s of Medicare. Learn important coverage dates and steps to avoid healthcare fraud and abuse. Benefits in Action is a Colorado nonprofit organization serving individuals statewide. We strive to increase understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare resources.
Turn the Page to Health: Diabetes Education Opportunities for All Coloradans
- Date: May 8, 2025, Thursday
- Time: 12PM to 1PM
- Register here for Zoom
- Description: In 2024, nearly 1 in 10 Americans were estimated to have diabetes. Additionally, approximately 98 million Americans are at risk for developing the disease, with 80% unaware of their risk. In Colorado, it’s projected that 1 in 3 residents could develop Type 2 Diabetes within the next six years. This webinar will explore ongoing efforts to prevent and treat diabetes, as well as highlight free educational resources available to all Coloradans.
- Learn about the diabetes education programs any Colorado libraries can promote and connect with their communities and library patrons. These education programs can be accessed virtually or in person. Libraries need only reach out to our presenter, Kristen Hinkle, to bring this essential health education program and service to their neighbors.
Social Security 101 with Benefits in Action
- Date: May 12, 2025, Monday
- Time: 2PM to 3PM
- Register here for Zoom
- Description: Join us to learn about the basics of Social Security: What it is, what all those acronyms stand for – SSA, SSID, etc. – and how to apply and help people understand and find resources to apply for them.
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Note: As with all the webinars I offer these will be recorded and any registrants will receive both the web recording link and any materials shared in the sessions regardless of their attendance to the live event.
