It Takes a Village: Community Support and the Fortification of Health Among Black or African American Youth

In honor of Black History Month 2023, we are highlighting positive and protective factors that raise awareness of and show appreciation for the myriad cultural and community strengths that facilitate safe spaces, where the health of children and adolescents can be fortified and maintained.

How Looking Back Leads Us Forward: A Musings Year in Review

When NLM wrapped up 2021 last December, we took a moment and considered what our future might bring. What would a hybrid work environment look like? How would we UNITE to show our commitment to health equity? Where are we in regard to our building renovations? And how would we continue to innovate NLM products … Continue reading How Looking Back Leads Us Forward: A Musings Year in Review

Giving Thanks Where Thanks is Due

One of the great joys of being the Director of the National Library of Medicine is the many opportunities for me to express gratitude. In the past, I have given thanks to NLM staff who are veterans (2021), for progress during my tenure (2020), and to our amazing NLM staff members (2019). This year, I … Continue reading Giving Thanks Where Thanks is Due

From Our Community to Yours, Happy Healthful Halloween!

Guest post by Jeffrey S. Reznick, PhD, Chief of the History of Medicine Division (HMD) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM). I have always associated Halloween with community and health. My family and I appreciate the holiday for the way it brings together our neighborhood of individuals and families with diverse backgrounds, creativity, and … Continue reading From Our Community to Yours, Happy Healthful Halloween!

Celebrating Independence Day: Fortitude in Philadelphia, 1776

Guest post by Susan L. Speaker, PhD, Elizabeth A. Mullen, and Erika Mills, History of Medicine Division, Library Operations, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Stories of the momentous political events of the American revolution can often leave out the broader context in which they happened, and the concurrent day-to-day challenges Americans faced, … Continue reading Celebrating Independence Day: Fortitude in Philadelphia, 1776

Happy Holiday Season!

It’s the holiday season and a time for celebration, reflection, and catching up with family and friends. This year, I am struck by two themes: the celebration of light and darkness, and the time-honored traditions found in special foods and decorations. For me, a winter aficionado with strong Irish roots, my holidays began with Samhain … Continue reading Happy Holiday Season!

Please Join Me in Thanking our NLM Veterans

Every year at this time, I take advantage of Musings from the Mezzanine to share with you some of the things for which I am thankful. In my 2020 blog, I reflected on how far we’ve come together since I joined the NLM in 2016. In my 2019 blog, I mused about the people, professionals, … Continue reading Please Join Me in Thanking our NLM Veterans

A Mother’s Day Message: Time for Action to Improve Maternal Health

Guest post by Diana W. Bianchi, MD, Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Janine Clayton, MD, Director, Office of Research on Women’s Health For many of you, this past weekend likely had its share of greeting cards, flowers, video calls, and, perhaps, even a tasty brunch celebrating the … Continue reading A Mother’s Day Message: Time for Action to Improve Maternal Health

Holiday Greetings from the NLM Director!

I consider myself an upbeat person and am most upbeat during the winter holiday season. I’ve always been drawn to this time of year – it’s cold, often snowy, and brings many traditions I love, including spiritual customs, family gatherings, fabulous food, and gift-giving. It also brings about an annual pause in the lives of … Continue reading Holiday Greetings from the NLM Director!