BOSTON – The Boston Public Health Commission today marked the start of National Public Health Week by launching a redesigned Web site, introducing a new logo and tagline, and posting a new video on Facebook and YouTube that highlights the Commission’s work in Boston. National Public Health Week starts today, April 6, and runs through April 12.
The changes are a reflection of Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s efforts to make information and services more widely known and available to residents in the digital age. The Public Health Commission has taken advantage of new media technologies such as blogging, podcasting, and video sharing via YouTube to educate and inform residents on public health topics. The Commission recently created a Facebook page and YouTube channel, harnessing the power of social networking to achieve interactive communications with residents, health providers, and other partner organizations.
«It’s important that Boston residents know who we are and what we do, that we are accessible and accountable to them, and that we have a wealth of information to share. In these difficult times, it is more important than ever that we connect all Boston residents to critically needed services,» said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the Commission’s executive director. «National Public Health Week gives us the perfect opportunity to communicate that message.»
As part of its new logo, the Commission’s name appears in large white block letters with the tagline «Building a Healthy Boston.» The new logo incorporates the national public health symbol, which is a three pointed shield and stylized plus symbol, and uses three colors long associated with public health – blue, white, and khaki. The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has encouraged local public health departments to adopt the national logo.
The redesigned Web site, www.bphc.org, features colorful graphics and an easy-to-navigate database that allows users to search for information by health topic, service, program or bureau name, and even by the population served, such as businesses or the homeless. Other features include embedded videos, a community events calendar, and public health marketing campaigns created by the Commission. The new two-minute video highlighting some of the agency’s services can be viewed on the Web site.
The Commission’s Information Technology and Communications staffs were responsible for the improvements.
