Here is an eye opening example of Federal Agencies who are using Social Media. Please note that this report was done in 2008 and more agencies may have been added since then.
CLICK ON THE FULL SCREEN MODE, ON THE TOP RIGHT OF THE SLIDE,TO SEE THE ENTIRE SCREEN.
It is clear that public health emergencies can be communicated very quickly via social media tools. Recently, we have seen special conversations in Twitter, Facebook and other social networking platforms. There are videos on You tube and other video sharing sites.
But there is still so much work to do. My biggest frustration is the limitations posed by IT Departments. Yet, it is critical that they keep your computer networks safe from attack. But there must be a way for a local or State health Department to have a dialogue. Any ideas?