Oral

Reaching at-risk populations with effective health messaging remains a challenge. The increasing popularity and availability of various social media tools for day-to-day communication provide potential opportunities to bridge this gap. This session will provide examples of public health initiatives utilizing social media: the implementation, reach, challenges and lessons learned.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss the relevance and feasibility of a smartphone-based intervention in health promotion and disease prevention initiatives 2. Describe the challenges and lessons learned about the use of text messaging and social networking tools in promoting access to care 3. Describe the benefits of using social media outreach in community-based public health initiatives