Facebook has launched a range of tools to connect users to local providers, recommended preventive tests, checkups and where to give blood when banks are in need.
To support blood banks Facebook has launched a feature in the US, India, Brazil, Bangladesh and Pakistan that makes it easy to sign up as a donor on Facebook and get notified when nearby blood banks are in need. 50 million people have signed up to donate.
The company is also exploring preventive health with the potential to detect early signs of disease by working with US health organisations to offer a new Preventive Health tool that connects people to health resources and checkup reminders. The initial focus is on the top two leading causes of death in the US: heart disease and cancer, (according to CDC) as well as the flu, a seasonal illness that affects millions each year. The resources available in the tool are provided by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Facebook users can search for Preventive Health in the Facebook mobile app and find out which checkups, such as cholesterol tests or mammograms, are recommended by these health organisations based on the age and sex they provide. Reminders for flu shots will also appear at the appropriate time of year.
The tool allows people to mark when tests are completed, set reminders to schedule future tests and tell loved ones about the tool to increase awareness of preventive care. People can also learn more about each checkup and find affordable places to receive care.
Eduardo Sanchez, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention at the American Heart Association “We’ve contributed our content and resources to the Facebook Preventive Health tool to empower Americans to take the first step to know about and take action to lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, each of which has been shown to increase the chance of a longer, healthier life and reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.”
Nancy Messonnier, MD, Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC “Flu vaccines can have wide-ranging benefits beyond just preventing the disease, such as reducing the risk of hospitalisation, preventing serious medical events for some people with chronic diseases, and protecting women during and after pregnancy. New tools like this will empower users with instant access to information and resources they need to become a flu fighter in their own communities.”
Facebook said by using the apps it doesn’t provide the company or the health organisations with access to results or data and data is not shared. The company also said that the data will not be used for targeted marketing / advertising.
