I just got back from Washington DC where I was presenting at the Utilizing Social Media and Open Data for Public Health Situational Awareness Forum. My presentation was based on my dissertation focusing on the effect of message source and reliability in a food safety crisis. Of course, there was the social media component to it as well 🙂 – and I also really enjoyed listening to the other presentations. It was great and exciting to see that we are in a time of innovation – technology is expanding and it is becoming more like an digital ecosystem or knowledge and information sharing. We are in the age of social search AND sharing.
There were some great crisis communication and emergency management presentations, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Heather Blanchard of Crisis Commons, and hear her insights and experiences in using new media and social media to not only get data and information during a crisis, but also collaborate with others to engage in a collaborative effort to connect individuals and tools together in a moment of crisis. Here is a video of what they organized during the Haiti Earthquake – crowdsourcing and collaboration in crisis communications at its best – very cool!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ACMpgy7ce0[/youtube]
One of the key messages that was brought up at the forum was the focus on the data – we are just scratching the surface when researchers and practitioners are looking at what discussions and conversations are emerging. Geo analytics plus situational analysis (Esri), voice recognition apps for health situations and ordering medication (Pillbox App), and the bridge of reaching out to the community in a time of crisis or need (Reunite app – based on the Lost Person App during Haiti Earthquake). These were just a few of the apps that were discussed along with other emerging technology and mobile trends – it was quite exciting!
I was very impressed with the professionalism, engaging, and exciting atmosphere created by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response’s Fusion Cell. I felt very welcomed at the forum and everything went very smoothly with my presentation. I would like to thank all of the professionals who helped organize this timely, forward-thinking, and collaborative event. It was great to connect with others at the conference, but also through Twitter as well (search for the hashtag #fusionforum for the tweets during the meeting).
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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