EPHRATA - Grant County Health District launched a social media presence last week to celebrate National Public Health Week (April 6-12).

During the past year, GCHD staff, in cooperation with the Grant County Board of Health, discussed the use of social media to communicate important information in a timely manner.

"We know that social media is the place many of our residents go for up-to-date information," GCHA Administrator Jefferson Ketchel said. "We are excited for the opportunity that social media offers for communicating in real time."

According to GCHD publicist Theresa Adkinson, social media and other emerging communication technologies will allow GCHD to connect with residents to:

Increase the timely notifications of health and safety information.

Connect with other public health networks and partners to facilitate information sharing.

Expand reach to include broader, more diverse audiences.

Create a place for interactive communication, connection and public engagement.

Empower people to make safer and healthier decisions.

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