Last Updated on June 20, 2024 by Brenda

Watch Innovative Approaches to Rural Health: Using Digital Media and Podcasting

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quay County Health Council took an innovative approach to keep their community informed and engaged. By leveraging digital media and podcasting, they not only continued their outreach but also significantly expanded it.

Traditionally, the health council relied on in-person events and printed materials to reach their community. However, the pandemic’s restrictions pushed them to explore digital alternatives.   In 2022 the group applied for a grant to purchase equipment and train volunteers to help them expand their reach and then in 2023 the applied for funding to start this podcast.  The Council uses social media, video content, and podcasts to disseminate vital health information throughout Quay County and surrounding areas. This shift allowed them to reach a broader audience, including tech-savvy younger generations who are more likely to engage with digital content.

One of the primary challenges during the pandemic was addressing vaccine hesitancy. The council utilized their new digital platforms to share accurate, trustworthy information about vaccines. By featuring local healthcare professionals and community leaders in their podcasts and videos, they were able to build trust and encourage vaccination uptake. These efforts were crucial in dispelling myths and providing reassurance during a time of uncertainty.  Their work continues in an effort to get children up to date from the vaccines missed during the pandemic.  They also work to encourage adults to get vaccines to prevent severe illnesses during the Fall and Winter.

Despite the move to digital, the council remained acutely aware of the digital divide in their rural community. They implemented strategies to ensure that everyone, regardless of their internet access, could benefit from their efforts. This included distributing printed materials, in person presentations, and radio content for those without reliable internet.  Some materials are also translated to Spanish. Their inclusive approach ensured that no one is left behind.

Recognizing the importance of youth involvement, the council actively engaged local young people in their digital outreach. They created content that resonated with younger audiences and encouraged them to participate in spreading health messages. This not only amplified their reach but also empowered the youth to take an active role in their community’s health.  The Council has several videos developed by youth on their YouTube Channel @quaycountyhealth.

The Council has learned some valuable lessons during the digital transformation. Flexibility, creativity, and community engagement proved to be key components of their success.  As a remote rural community, many of the businesses and services available to podcasters and film makers are not available, so members have been studying and learning to record and edit on their own including building and managing their own website.   Moving forward, the Council plans to continue leveraging digital media to enhance their outreach, while remaining adaptable to future challenges.

Looking ahead, they are excited to continue their work with the ongoing support from the Better Together Grant. They plan to expand podcasting efforts, increase presence at community events, and keep innovating in digital media strategies.  Be sure to check out the vaccine page on this website for accurate information.   Stay informed, stay healthy, and let’s Get our Ducks in a Row as Vaccines Save Lives.

This brings us to a returning concern for parents as Measles has returned to the United States.  This once eliminated disease is returning because many children are not vaccinated and as the travel around the world increases other once eliminated illnesses may return.

Measles is highly contagious and airborne.  Symptoms of measles can develop between 7 to 21 days after exposure and usually includes a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes followed by a red spotted rash that starts on the heard or face and spreads downward to cover the rest of the body.  Complications are more common in children under 5 and adults over 20 years old.  Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis.  The vaccination is highly effective provided preschool children have had one MMR vaccine or school-age children have had two doses of MMR vaccine.  This vaccine has been around since the 1960’s and measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000.