LEONARDTOWN, MD (Aug. 15, 2013) – To better serve the health needs of St. Mary’s County, the health department has launched a new website with state of the art features as well as establishing a strategic social media initiative.
“The new website and social media initiative have been launched with the main purpose of protecting and promoting the health of every resident in St. Mary’s County,” said Health Officer Meenakshi G. Brewster, MD, MPH.
Everything Old is New Again
The website will now offer tailored information, services, and resources for individuals, community, businesses, and health care providers.
SMCHD encourages everyone to look over the website and see the many resources the department hopes will assist residents and the community in meeting its health needs.
“There is something for everyone,” added Brewster. “No matter where you are in your life, the website now offers valuable information and resources for every stage of life in addition to components that every community member will want to know.”
Subscribe for Important Updates 24/7
In addition to the new web sections, the community can now subscribe to several specialized subscription notices.
- Everyone can subscribe to the home page where the department will be updating with new information, health articles, important notices, and more.
- News Media – If you are member with the media and want to be sure you are in the know as soon as news worthy and time sensitive information is communicated, then this subscription in the website News Room will help.
- Health Care Providers – If you are a health care provider wanting to be sure you are made aware of any important health alerts in St. Mary’s County then you can now subscribe for instantaneous notices delivered right to your inbox.
Anyone can subscribe to one or all three subscription lists so they are kept up to date with the most important notices and health information affecting St. Mary’s County.
SMCHD Launches Social Media Initiative
In addition to providing information that is more up to date, easy to understand, and easy to find, the health department would also like to offer its residents, health care providers, businesses, and community important tips, resources, information about services, and more through its new Facebook and Twitter pages.
“Starting to communicate through social media platforms was not taken lightly,” said Brewster. “We wanted to be sure there was a need to be met. After completing some primary research with several groups throughout the community and researching what other health departments were providing, we found that there was a need to utilize these tools so that we can provide our community with the most valuable information in forums that are easily accessible on a regular basis.”
To get the most up-to-date information about services, facts, advisories, and more:
- Like SMCHD’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SMCHealthDepartment and
- Follow SMCHD’s Twitter page at www.twitter.com/smchd_gov
Furthering SMCHD’s Mission
The new website and social media initiative will help the health department to effectively and efficiently:
- Inform, educate, and empower all residents about health issues
- Manage effective, open, and culturally sensitive health services
- Maintain a safe and healthy environment
- Monitor the county’s health status and develop initiatives to address health issues
- Strengthen community partnerships
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Media Contact
Meena Brewster, MD, MPH
301-475-4377
smchd.pr@maryland.gov