Health Education Programs in Florida
A steep rise in health promotion and building awareness can be noticed in Florida at present (Florida Department of Health, 2018b). Several programs aimed at managing some of the current concerns have been created (e.g., smoking, Zika, HIV/AIDS, etc. (Florida Department of Health, 2018a)). The specified programs target general audience and strive to provide them with the bare minimum of knowledge that will help them avoid health threats, detect possible hazards, and locate healthcare services in case of need. Although the Zika program could use a better focus, it seems to have a positive effect on the target population.
Public Health Issue: Zika Virus
Although most of the recent cases of Zika virus in Florida were the instances of people getting infected not in Florida but after travelling to affected areas, Zika virus remains a major concern for the Florida healthcare (Simkins et al., 2017). According to the latest data, 42 instances of Zika virus contraction have been registered in the U.S. in 2018 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). Since the symptoms develop increasingly fast, healthcare providers have very little time to offer help, which is why the issue needs to be addressed on a statewide level by introducing an awareness-raising program.
Role of Social Media: Preventing Zika Contraction
Serving as the means of transferring vast amounts of data across the community within the shortest amount of time possible, social media must be viewed as an essential tool in addressing the Zika issue. Social networks can be used for communicating with nurses, spreading awareness, subverting prejudices and myths regarding Zika, and obtaining the latest data on the issue. Thus, social media must be incorporated into the awareness-raising program.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). 2018 case counts in the US. Web.
Florida Department of Health. (2018a). Prepare and protect. Web.
Florida Department of Health. (2018b). Tobacco free Florida. Web.
Simkins, J., Anjan, S., MorillasāRodriguez, J. A., Greissman, S. R., Abbo, L. M., Camargo, J. F.,… Morris, M. I. (2018). Screening for Zika virus in deceased organ donors in Florida. American Journal of Transplantation, 18(3), 731-736.