Social Media and New Media in Public Health
Intended Audience
These trainings are appropriate for all public health workers in state, local, or tribal health agencies, hospitals, community health clinics, and community-based organizations seeking a basic understanding of various social media and new media platforms. The emphasis is on how these tools are or can be used for public health.
Training Descriptions
Many health departments and public health professionals are currently investigating various forms of social or new media to better understand what may or may not be appropriate for their work. NWCPHP offers in-person training about some of these tools, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogging, text messaging, and web conferencing. The course varies depending upon audience familiarity with the tools and which tools are included. Typical course segments include:
- Technical skills, such as setting up accounts, utilizing different functions, and statistical information
- Overall communication strategy and the role of these new components
- Agency policy
- Legal considerations and responsibilities
- Strategy for effective use
Objectives
These trainings allow participants to:
- Describe the evolution and context of social media
- Discuss the role of social media in public health
- Investigate organizational strategic plans, policy, and protocols
- Discuss how social and new media can strengthen and enhance existing communication plans
- Discuss the challenges and inappropriate usages of social and new media
- Review effective uses of social and new media in public health
Prerequisite Knowledge
None
Format
Training is offered in discussion format, often in a computer lab so that participants can actively search for and use the elements being discussed. Participants are encouraged to submit issues from their own work experience prior to the course so that the instructors can tailor the course to the appropriate skill level. Participants will also be encouraged to discuss their own experiences and ask questions of the instructors and other participants throughout the course.
Estimated Time to Complete
The training can be provided in a variety of formats to meet the needs and timeframe of the intended audience.
Course Instructors
- Missie Thurston
Communications and Marketing Manager, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice
Previous Offerings
July 2010. Oregon Workforce Development Conference, Oregon.
August 2010. Summer Institute for Public Health Practice, Washington.
Scheduling and Additional Information
For more information, please e-mail NWCPHP or call 206.685.1130.
Related Information
NWCPHP's monthly webinar, Hot Topics In Preparedness, has had two hour-long sessions about social media which are archived online:
