Utilizing Radio, Internet and SOCIAL MEDIA to Eliminate HEALTH DISPARITIES

Background:  Health Disparities in the African American community are widely known and discussed yet increasing each year.  Educating those who are actually suffering from the conditions and diseases continues to be an ongoing struggle. 

Program background:  To educate and inform as many as possible, African American Health Consultants, LLC utilizes an Internet Radio Blog Talk show titled, “Die On The Hog!”  This show was developed to help “Create a Health Culture in the African American Community” and to help eliminate health disparities through information and education.  Through the utilization of internet, radio, social media and chat we are able to disseminate the same information through various avenues concurrently to a varied audience. Individuals are able to access consistent information through the avenue they are most comfortable with and able to comprehend. 

Radio – The radio show is broadcasted worldwide over the internet live with the capability to answer calls and conduct live chats during the broadcast. With the African American community consisting of high illiteracy rates, this avenue allows individuals to receive the information through listening and processing.  This venue also allows the listener the opportunity to ask questions and receive live answers.  Even without internet access the radio show can be accessed and listened to live through a phone line.

Internet – The internet is everywhere and utilized more and more even in low income communities.  Through cell phones, computers, and other media devices, the internet is a tool that can be utilized to reach everywhere,  from a community to a continent.  The radio show can be accessed via the internet and heard live.  It is also recorded and archived and can be downloaded and heard at any time.

Social Media  - Media players of full segments are placed on Facebook pages and the promotion of the  broadcast is linked to a Twitter account to “Tweet” info on upcoming broadcasts.  The live chat during the broadcast is an interactive way for listeners to express concerns, ask questions, obtain additional information and connect with other listeners.

Evaluation Methods and Results:“Die On The Hog” has grown in listeners from 10 to over 400 per broadcast in less than six months.  Shows have featured topics such as Obesity, AIDS, Mental Health, and Type II Diabetes .  Guests have ranged  from Community Organizers to Executive Directors of health agencies.  Topics can be  of whatever subject is relevant and pertinent at that time.  Show guests have the  flexibility of dialing  in from anywhere in the world to join the broadcast.

Conclusions: This avenue is showing effectiveness in reaching the masses in a short period of time.  It is being shared and accepted within the community.

Implications for research and/or practice: It is an inexpensive means to disseminate pertinent information to a community that is otherwise underserved.

African American Health Consultants, LLC would greatly welcome the opportunity to share how we are using media like “Die on the Hog” to disseminate health information in the African American community.