Benefits -- Social media is a cost-effective and very powerful tool that will allow an easy two way exchange between public health professionals and the public in the event of a disaster. Since people often use their mobile device to hook up to social media, they would have access to information almost immediately, be up-to-date about the disaster or disease and even sent pictures and help governmental officials assess the situation in a more reasonable manner.

Barrier to Effectiveness -- While 40 million is an impressive number, the population of the United States is currently about 313 million, meaning only 13% actively use social media for communication. This figure may be higher or lower depending on the area of the country (rural, urban, and regional demographic differences). Social Media would be an effective tool, but should not be considered the primary or only tool for communication. Use is also dependent upon being able to charge the computer or device, meaning that either a generator or power needs to be available. If the device is being used as a tool...

A public health nurse checking communities), then the system is only as good as those who are able to use it, have the resources and power available, and the technical acumen.
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