Saint Joseph Health System Expands Online Presence Through Social Media Outlets

Lexington, KY, April 23, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Saint Joseph Health System has expanded its online community by offering new ways to connect with its hospitals. Linking to a variety of popular social media platforms, like Facebook and YouTube, patients, employees and the public can interact with many others while staying in touch with the organization.

“We realize that our patients and the community are obtaining health information from more sources than ever, especially through online tools such as these,” said Jeff Murphy, regional director of marketing for Saint Joseph Health System. “But more importantly, social media sites allow an ongoing and more personal relationship with members of our community.”

Those who participate in Saint Joseph’s social media networks will have access to breaking news, updates of new services and medical treatment options, event information and reminders, important health alerts, helpful links, pictures, videos, podcasts and networking opportunities. Users can write about their experiences at a Saint Joseph Health System hospital or share their stories to inspire and support others.

“People often tend to think that hospitals are only needed in times of emergency or illness. But our approach, which connects to our mission of building healthier communities, is to promote wellness through education and prevention,” Murphy said. “Through various social media vehicles, we can help more people live healthier lives, reaching them regardless of whether they ever walk through our front doors.”

Saint Joseph Health System hopes to create relationships with patients and families through its social media outlets—to establish a sense of community online where people gather for discourse and resources. “Millions of people use these sites to connect, create trusted circles and talk to each other,” said Kevin Smith, interactive marketing coordinator for Saint Joseph Health System. “Now we have a dedicated online community where they can share stories, ask for advice, and feel connected to their local hospital and in control of their own health care.”

“We find our patients and families already have emotional connections with Saint Joseph Health System,” Murphy added. “This is another way for them to connect with us. It is an extension of the patient- and family-centered care we offer every day.”

Join Our Social Community Sites:
Facebook.com/SaintJosephHealthSystem – Become a “fan” of Saint Joseph Health System’s Facebook page and have access to breaking news, updates of new services, event information and reminders, health alerts, helpful links, pictures, videos and fan comments.

YouTube.com/user/SaintJosephHealth – Tune in to Saint Joseph Health System’s YouTube channel and view interviews with experts, commercials, coverage of special events, overviews of programs and services, tours and patient success stories.

LinkedIn.com/companies/699208 – Join Saint Joseph Health System’s LinkedIn page and network with other working professionals within and outside the organization. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals.

(Links to these sites are located under “Social Media” at www.SaintJosephHealthSystem.org.)

SJHS is also active on the following social bookmark sites: Digg, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Reddit, Mixx, Technorati and Newsvine.

Saint Joseph Health System is a 981-bed, eight-facility health care system that spans central and eastern Kentucky. Saint Joseph Health System is a member of Catholic Health Initiatives, the nation’s second-largest Catholic health care system. Visit www.SaintJosephHealthSystem.org for further information.

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