Social Media Team, Tompkins County Health Department

Chase Lurgio, Information Aide; Nina Saeli, Public Health Preparedness Coordinator; Jasmine Williams, Project Assistant; Deidre Gallow, Administrative Assistant I; Ted Schiele, Planner/Evaluator; Smantha Hillson, Director of Health Promotion; Cynthia Mosher, Public Health Sanitarian; Michelle Hall, WIC Director; Kelsie Fitch, WIC Program Nutritionist; Becky Sims, Public Health Sanitarian; Celeste Rakovich, Community Health Nurse

The Social Media Team at the Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) came together to launch the department's social media presence. Through the work of the team, the TCHD is able to build awareness about essential public health work and emerging issues. The Rabies program has seen an increase in attendance and participation after promoting the free rabies clinics. The Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) has an active Facebook and Instagram account where they post engaging photos, recipes, and ideas to increase healthy food consumption among children. The social media presence has served to build awareness about the program and increases participation. WIC participants regularly communicate through the messaging functions on the platforms as well. The Social Media Team has been an integral part in providing another point of access for the public to interact with and contact the Health Department.