Module 4: Use of Social Media for Outreach and Engagement

Gabby social media provides different themed posts throughout each of the 52 weeks of the year. These posts can be followed using the hashtags: #SundaySound, #TuesdayTip, #ThursdayThought, and #SaturdayShoutout.  

#SundaySound: Provides a monthly podcast that is culturally relevant, informative, engaging, and empowering

#TuesdayTip: Presents health information every Tuesday such as links to health resources and awareness campaigns, and health information tailored to black and African American women.

#ThursdayThought: This weekly post engages viewers, fosters conversation among black and African American women, and identifies topics of conversation to initiate with health care providers through the presentation of inspiring personal narratives, thought-provoking questions, and calls-to-action.

#SaturdayShoutout: Start each weekend by celebrating the success of black and African American leaders and community organizations, acknowledging relevant holidays and birthdays, and identifying current events that are noteworthy within the black and African American community.

Social media is widely used in the US and can increase access to accurate, evidence-based health information as an array of misinformation exists online. For users of the Gabby System, access to accurate health information that is specifically tailored for Black and African American women is especially important. Past Gabby system users have expressed a desire for Gabby to share health information via social media. Studies have shown that 80% of Black and African American women ages 18 to 39, have a smartphone and many use it to access health information. Additionally, 75% of Black and African American women who use the internet also use social media, therefore, social media is a platform where women seek out health information that may influence health behavior change.

 

Step 1: A bank of 52 weeks of tweets based on scientific, clinical, and research evidence was created by Gabby research team members.

Step 2: Tweets for a selected week are drafted into a visual template image.

Step 3: Readability of the template image draft is confirmed by a Twitter card preview site.

Step 4: Draft tweets are sent to a senior Gabby research staff member for review approximately one week prior to posting.

Step 5: Upon review, tweets are revised as needed by a senior Gabby research team member, finalized, and approved for posting.

Step 6: Finalized tweets are posted on Twitter on their respective days (e.g. Sunday Sound, Tuesday Tip, Thursday Thought, Saturday Shoutout).

Step 7: Gabby System research team members provide staff members with information about Gabby social media and how to follow the Gabby System on Twitter.

Step 8: The site champion links Gabby System social media to the site’s Facebook page and/or Twitter account.

Step 9: Staff are encouraged to follow Gabby System social media, re-post and like Gabby tweets when able, and share Gabby System social media links with their clients.

Step 10: Gabby System users and staff members receive tweets in their feed. Staff members are encouraged to discuss the tips and topics that Gabby posts about with their clients; similarly, clients may use health information that Gabby shares to initiate a conversation with their staff members or other health care provider.

 

As a staff member, you can share, like, and re-post links to Gabby System tweets on your site’s Facebook page or Twitter feed. You can also use the health information that Gabby shares to spark meaningful conversations with the clients you serve about their unique health risks and needs.

 

 

Besides social media, there are other ways for you to engage with potential Gabby System users. This could include tabling and handing out flyers at community programs or holding informational events to promote the Gabby System at your site (for an example of a flyer, refer to Module 3, Step 5).