Learning in 2015 from the 2014 NHAAAD social media experience

Content From: Michelle Scavnicky, MS, Director of Education & Capacity Building,The AIDS InstitutePublished: January 06, 20152 min read

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Editor’s note: As we look toward the 2015 national HIV/AIDS awareness days, today we provide one more post in our series of reflections on the importance of social media in expanding these observances.September 18, 2014 marked the 7th annual National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness DayExit Disclaimer (NHAAAD). As the community lead for this observance, we at The AIDS Institute (TAI) increased our social media efforts, utilizing Facebook and Twitter to foster additional opportunities for raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and aging, as described in the results section below.

Our Approach to Increasing the Use of Social Media

In 2014, TAI expanded NHAAAD even further by working with our national steering committee and partners from the aging services community to reach a broader audience for the 2014 campaign. Using the “share,” “like,” and retweet functions of social media, TAI was able to cross-promote the information to NHAAAD partners and expand the campaign to their networks.

TAI promoted two webinars (e-learning opportunities) through FacebookExit Disclaimer and TwitterExit Disclaimer. A much broader geographical area was reached due to the increased number of local, regional, and national events and activities. Events were held across the country from California to New York, helping to emphasize awareness efforts on a much larger platform.

Results of NHAAAD 2014 Social Media Communications

We were pleased with the results of our social media approach this year. Here are a few examples:

  • E-learning promotion: We saw a 56% increase in webinar registrants over the 2013 campaign events.
  • Facebook: Since NHAAAD 2013, Facebook “likes” for the NHAAAD Exit Disclaimer page have increased by 42%.
  • As information pertaining to NHAAAD quickly disseminated through social media, TAI received multiple requests for additional materials supporting NHAAAD, including the logo, brochure, fact sheet, posters, and social media guideExit Disclaimer .

TAI will continue to encourage the use of social media to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and aging among older adults.How do you plan to use social media for your HIV awareness efforts