May 25 2007

In May 2007, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a 5-week Pandemic Flu Leadership Blog to help Americans prepare for a potential avian influenza pandemic. The online event was part of a campaign to engage United States leaders to help people prepare for a possible pandemic. According to the article, preparing individuals in advance for a pandemic would slow the spread of disease and lessen the overall impact of disease on individuals, their families and society.

The blog encouraged national leaders to participate in an online discussion about the impact of an avian flu pandemic on individuals, families, communities and workplaces. Participant bloggers included some of the nation's most influential business, health care, faith- based and community leaders.

According to the article, HHS is one of the first government agencies to use the internet as a forum for dialogue around a specific issue or campaign.

Medical News Today, May 25 2007.