Remaining Non-political in a Political World: A social networking-based media model to directly connect with the public

Politics, for better or worse, plays a critical role in public health affairs. The purpose of this presentation is to articulate the critical and emerging role social networking (through face book, twitter and website) and strategic traditional media communications (newspaper, television and radio) can play in advancing public health issues during what often can appear to be a public health/political crises. Political analysis of public health issues at the local health department level, ranging from food borne disease prevention to health care reform can lead to not only timely and robust response to sometimes difficult demands of elected officials, but even assist health policy entrepreneurs in seizing opportunities for education and innovation. This paper examines the experiences of a local health department located in a state capitol in successfully propelling the public health agenda which often involves engagement of the public at large. Through multiple documented media and social networking instances, we will illustrate several real-life public health situations/challenges that are overcome by better anticipating opportunities, and leading to the design of more effective policies and programs while increasing public awareness and education.