Oakland County Health Division – Social Media Messaging Team

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In 2011, almost 70% of American adults used one or more social media platforms and 93% of U.S. internet users were on Facebook. These data indicate an opportunity for Local Health Departments to reach community members with public health information. Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) serves over 1.2 million residents in Oakland County, MI. In August 2012, OCHD organized a social media team consisting of 20 public health employees to implement a strategic social media plan. Quarterly team meetings focus on implementing OCHD’s social media brand, Public Health Oakland, and analyzing evaluation data. Ongoing team training utilizes CDC best practices on writing for social media, including writing effective social media posts and engaging the target audience. OCHD’s Social Media Team has successfully engaged social media users by disseminating a diverse amount of information. Results include reaching over 1,000 people weekly on Facebook, attracting 785 Facebook fans in less than two years and 310 Twitter followers in less than one year.