Social Networks - eHealth Marketing
Introduction
Social networks are interactive websites in which users create a profile that may contain photos, blogs, music, messages from friends, and other information. The dramatic use of sites like MySpace and Facebook has been well documented, with recent activity placing MySpace in the top five all Internet sites worldwide. Likewise, a number of smaller, niche sites have started emerging, which offer a targeted approach to increasing CDC’s reach.
Selected Projects
CDC MySpace Page
In November 2007, CDC launched the official CDC MySpace page. This page boasts a CDC Blog entry, as well as promotional information, health information, comments from users and much more. Using this as a channel to direct MySpace users to consumer health information on CDC.gov, CDC is expanding the reach of its health impact. In addition, CDC badges are now available through the CDC MySpace page and users can get information on incorporating CDC health messages and graphics into their own pages, empowering our friends to become our advocates.
CDC Collaboration with DailyStrength
DailyStrength is a collection of safe, anonymous, online support groups focused on over 200 specific challenges to help people overcome their personal challenge or support a loved one through theirs. CDC is working with DailyStrength to create new channels for engaging users in CDC’s health information and empowering individuals to lead healthier, safer lives.
CDC Collaboration with Sermo
Sermo is a social networking site where physicians communicate ideas, questions, clinical cases and other information; and rank, comment, corroborate, refute and/or vote on information submitted by colleagues. CDC is working with Sermo to explore new channels for developing real-time information exchange with physicians and engaging healthcare providers in discussions related to CDC’s activities, programs and tools.
CDC Collaboration with CaringBridge
CaringBridge is a nonprofit web service that connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery. Through a collaboration with Caring Bridge, CDC is working to deliver health information where and when users need it most.
Public Health Impact
Social networks are quickly becoming a mainstream format for information exchange, relationship building and knowledge sharing. Many people are turning to their social network ‘friends’ for information on health issues. CDC is researching and piloting innovative strategies for using social networks to engage users in health topics and empower individuals to lead healthier, safer lives.
Public Health Partners
Daily Strength
Sermo
Caring Bridge
Data
Social Networks Data Brief (
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Page last modified on April 14, 2008