Dr. Monica Hodge
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
An ASU library specialist recently attended one of the nation’s most prestigious medical
data conferences, whose participants included some of the most educated and talented
health science librarians and occupational therapists in the United States.
Dr. Monica Hodge, an occupational therapist who serves as the University's Health Sciences librarian within the Levi Watkins Learning Center (LWLC), was selected by the HBCU Library Alliance to attend the Network of the National Library of Medicine’s (NNLM’s) Region Two Summit, which took place at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, South Carolina.
"At the conference, I participated in many training events that enhanced my acumen and expertise in the subjects that included evidence-based, early intervention mental health first aid courses that taught me to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges," Hodge said. "The course provided those of us enrolled in it with three-year certifications in Mental Health First Aid from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing."
Hodge explained that the information and training she received has prepared her to support mental health wellness on campus and in local communities, which allows the LWLC to expand President Quinton T. Ross, Jr.'s concept of CommUniversity.
“Attending this event was important because more trained individuals are desperately needed to address various mental health and substance abuse issues at schools and within our communities, and I’m humbled I had a chance to participate in this very informative and outstanding training,” stated Dr. Hodge. "Because I also have a psychology and an occupational therapy background, this activity provided a great wealth of knowledge, which I may use to help others."
Hodge shared that the conference sessions centered on understanding the librarian’s role in implementing evidence-based practices and on funding opportunities available through NNLM to support community engagement, outreach, and professional development initiatives. She is the daughter of ASU dean, Dr. Evelyn Hodge.
"By attending the summit, I learned about pertinent informational resources and services which can significantly benefit the LWLC and the College of Health Sciences at ASU," explained Hodge.
Hodge said her participation in the conference was the result of the encouragement and support of LWLC’s dean.
"I would like to thank the dean of the Levi Watkins Learning Center, Dr. Janice Franklin, for supporting and encouraging me to attend this summit to improve my knowledge of informational resources and services that she oversees, which allows us to promote evidence-based practices at Alabama State University and also support patient care and research for ASU's College of Health Sciences.