using Oregon Health Go Local on L-net

Yesterday I had the chance to use Oregon Health Go Local on L-net. Oregon Health Go Local was developed by OHSU and the National Library of Medicine to provide resources for citizens and patients in Oregon to find health resources and services.

The question I had on chat was "I need to find a walk-in clinic". I went to the Oregon Health Go Local website and browsed until I found a list of locations in the patron's area. It was more difficult than I would have liked. A map of where the facilities were and their hours would have helped us both, but through patience, we eventually found a clinic that was convenient to the patron.

Afterwards, I IM'd a little bit with Emily Ford, who was one of the project staff for Oregon Health Go Local. You may remember that she gave a lightning talk about it at the 2009 Oregon Virtual Reference Summit.

She immediately recalled the subject heading I could have used to find the right clinic - 'Ambulatory Care Centers' - which of course now that I know the term it makes perfect sense. She also sent me a nifty flier about using the site which you will find attached.

One recommendation in the flier is to spend a few minutes browsing the site's controlled vocabulary. I learned my lesson, and will now heed that advice. Check out the providers and facilities and the services for specific health issues.