Exhibit on native concepts of health and illness to open March 1 in Dover

The Department of Health and Social Services Library has been selected in a competitive application process to host Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness, a traveling exhibition to U.S. libraries. The exhibit will run Wednesday, March 1 to Wednesday, April 12.

The exhibit explores the interconnectedness of wellness, illness and cultural life for Native Americans, Alaskan natives and native Hawaiians. Stories drawn from both the past and present examine how health for native people is tied to community, the land and spirit. Through interviews, native people describe the impact of epidemics, federal legislation, the loss of land and the inhibition of culture on the health of native individuals and communities today.

“We are so pleased to bring the National Library of Medicine’s fascinating exhibition to the Delaware community,” said Alison Wessel, DHSS library director. “We look forward to bringing together valuable community partners to provide educational workshops in conjunction with the exhibition to enhance visitors’ learning about these powerful concepts.” The library is in the Springer Building at DHSS’ Herman Holloway Campus, 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle. The library is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. There is no charge to view the exhibition.

For more information and to view exhibition content, go to www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices.