Interview an Expert in Technology Innovation in Public Health

We witnessed the power of technology to address the public health needs in Haiti last month after the nation experienced a massive earthquake. Photos conveyed the destruction. Videos relayed the heartache. Texting was used to donate funds to those who were suffering.

Technology has positively impacted public health in many other ways: the CDC is using text messages to spread tips on H1N1; there is a possibility of electronically storing all health records; and Michigan State has developed a robotic hand that would allow doctors to examine for breast cancer...from a remote location. All of these are discussed by SPH Alumni, Andre Blackman, in his blog devoted to technology innovation in public health.

"The Pulse + Signal aims to highlight developments in the new media and innovation landscape around public and community health initiatives," Andre told The Healthy Turtle. "The new landscape of social tools, such as social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogging, etc.), crowd-sourced ideas, mapping and mobile technology, have provided a large opportunity to better improve the health of the masses."

Andre graduated from here with a degree in Public and Community Health, and for the past seven years he has been involved in health communication in some capacity, even connecting with agencies such as the CDC and NIH. He devotes himself to exploring the usefulnes of technology in public health.

"It's time for the public health world to make use of these tools and embrace innovative ways of thinking/collaboration to move things forward," he said.

Andre has agreed to take part in a feature we're bringing back to The Healthy Turtle, called "Ask and Alum." We'll periodically connect with an alum of SPH, and ask questions about their UMD experience, and where they are now. This time, we're adding a twist.

We will be soliciting questions from you, our readers. What do you want to know about Andre's time at UMD, his path to health communication, and his interest in the technology? You can submit your questions two ways: (1) comment on this blog post, or (2) email healthyturtle@gmail.com.

Don't forget to check out Andre's blog at http://pulseandsignal.com/.