During the second half of my internship with the Healthy Portsmouth Coalition, I actively expanded the organization’s social media presence to foster greater community engagement and visibility. I realized the importance of reaching a broader audience and made an Instagram account for Healthy Portsmouth. This platform provided a fresh opportunity to connect with community members, share health-related information, and highlight the coalition’s events and initiatives. Through regular posts, I showcased wellness tips, upcoming health events, and community success stories, aiming to inspire and educate followers while building a stronger online community.

In addition to developing the Instagram presence, I managed and monitored the coalition’s established Facebook page. Here, I crafted educational posts designed to promote health awareness, encourage preventive care, and support local health initiatives. I also leveraged Facebook’s live streaming feature to host interactive sessions where community members could ask questions, share their health goals, and receive real-time guidance on various wellness topics. These live sessions not only boosted engagement but also allowed me to connect directly with the community, making public health information accessible, relevant, and actionable for everyone. This dual approach helped increase the coalition’s social media fan base, fostered a more engaged audience, and strengthened the coalition’s mission of promoting health and well-being throughout Portsmouth.

Additionally, I created a personal LinkedIn account, which allowed me to showcase my internship experience, update my resume, and begin establishing my professional online presence. This step was essential in setting myself up for success beyond the internship, as it provided a platform to connect with other public health professionals, share my accomplishments, and position myself for future opportunities. By building my LinkedIn profile, I not only demonstrated my skills and experiences but also took proactive steps toward networking and career advancement in the health services field.

Skills and Knowledge Gain

My knowledge and skills were increased particularly in digital communication, community engagement, and public health promotion. Managing the new Instagram account and overseeing the Facebook page deepened my understanding of how social media can be a powerful tool for public health outreach. I learned how to create content that not only informs but also motivates the community to take active steps toward healthier lifestyles. Additionally, I became skilled in tailoring messages to different audiences, ensuring that health information was accessible and impactful.

Going live on Facebook taught me a great deal about real-time community engagement. I developed my communication skills by interacting directly with community members, answering their questions, and facilitating discussions around relevant health topics. This experience helped me become more comfortable and confident in engaging with the public, which is essential in any health-focused role. I also learned to think on my feet and respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, further improving my adaptability and problem-solving abilities in a public-facing setting.

These hands-on experiences enhanced my digital literacy, public speaking, and community outreach skills, all of which are critical for my future career in public health. By the end of my internship, I had gained a greater understanding of the nuances involved in health communication and how to effectively promote health initiatives that resonate with and positively impact the community.