A quick search on Apple's App Store produces hundreds of health related applications (apps) - ranging from health news portals to fitness and diet tips. But health, science and pharma companies should take note that two recently launched apps - Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform and Outbreaks Near Me - represent the healthcare industry's introductory foray into true mobilization via this tool.
Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform
Howard Dean has long been recognized for his ability to build grassroots networks and mobilize voters online. In keeping with his efforts to encourage interactive citizen engagement, last month Dean released his solution to the healthcare conundrum - as an iPhone app.
For $4.99, Apple customers can download Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform - an app which includes Dean's synonymously-titled book, a citizen action toolkit and a video of Dean detailing his plan.
In the midst of the increasingly crowded healthcare debate, with this iPhone app, Dean is providing a tool which breaks through the clutter and encourages direct social action. As app users read Dean's plan, they can simultaneously interject themselves into the conversation by using the toolkit. Readers are able to:
- Contact Congress. Tapping into the iPhone's current location, the app generates telephone numbers for the corresponding Congressional representatives and allows readers to place a call to their political representation from their iPhone.
- Sign a petition. Fans of Dean's plan can express their approval by linking to and signing his online petition.
- Involve friends. The app enables readers to forward emails to their stored phone contacts about Dean's book, the healthcare reform debate and how to get involved, as well as to post to their Twitter and Facebook profiles. (more...)
