The Times They are a-Changin'

If you instantly recognize the title of this blogspot, then you’re probably of my generation. Or, you’ve become familiar with the song title reference (a Bob Dylan song made popular in the 60’s) because of its resurgence during the Obama election.

Last year, Facebook was that “thing” that my son’s guidance counselor warned me to have him clean up so that he could get into a good college. Didn’t understand it, didn’t necessarily want to, and hoped that he would clean it up because I certainly didn’t have access to it! In the past six months, though, it became clear that this Facebook thing was something MITSS might want to take another look at. So, we had to call in an expert. Linda’s 21 year old daughter, Jessica, was kind enough to come into the office and set us up with a Facebook page – a Group and a Cause! We were thrilled – although not sure why. We were now cutting edge, new wave, in with the in crowd (ok, so now I’m dating myself again – remember that Ramsey Lewis song?). Fast forward a couple of months, and we’re bona fide Facebook addicts. Linda and I both have our personal pages, and our MITSS Group has grown to nearly 300 members!

All kidding aside, we have truly begun to see the benefits of community outreach through Facebook. It is an amazing medium – one that helps us to connect with others who share our common interest in patient safety and commitment to supporting anyone affected by an adverse medical event. We know that younger people are getting much of their information through social networking sites. We have also read that in the past six months, there has been a huge influx of “older” people coming onto Facebook – a shift that we have been proud to be a part of.

Since the MITSS mission is so closely tied to creating a greater awareness and educating about medically induced trauma, it would seem almost irresponsible not to explore new and innovative ways of reaching out to our community – a community that now includes our Facebook “Friends.” So, if you haven’t already, join the MITSS Group on Facebook (just search Groups and type in MITSS). If you’re not on Facebook, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Set up a page, and don’t forget to join the MITSS Group.

And, if Facebook weren’t enough, we’ve begun to post many of our video spots on YouTube. MITSS has a YouTube Channel (again, we called in an expert – Linda’s 12 year old daughter, Lindsay – to set it up). Visit www.youtube.com/user/MITSSUtube , and, as always, let us know what you think. We will be updating video posts as we go along.

The times they are a-changin’ and MITSS is a-changin’ with the times!

Winnie Tobin