On September 10, 2015, the Center for Public Health Readiness and Communication launched its much-anticipated Social Media Message Library. This web-based resource is designed to assist public health and health care agencies with using social media platforms to communicate with stakeholders during public health emergencies.

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the library features messages developed for commonly used social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The messages were reviewed by content and risk communication experts from public health agencies across the country. Pre-developed templates and messages for 23 specific hazards are available through a publicly accessible web site that can be found here.

Messages for additional hazards are currently being developed, and will soon be added to the library. The site also includes instructions for how to use the library, best practices for using social media in disasters, as well as a “Social Media 101” section containing tips for those who are new to the world of social media. Visitors are encouraged to utilize the “Submit Feedback” button features on the site to suggest additional messages or ideas for improving the site.