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HHS launches lifeline app challenge

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 5, 2011

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The Dept. of Health and Human Services has launched its Lifeline Facebook App Challenge with a modified timeline. The contest, which carries a $10,000 prize, challenges developers to design an app that would harness the social networking site for disaster preparedness. Initially it was announced the challenge would take place from Aug. 15 to Sept. 15. The department later changed the time frame from Aug. 22 to Nov. 4.

The app would enable Facebook users to identify and connect online friends willing to serve as "lifelines" in times of emergency. The lifeline, who is identified on the user's Facebook page, would agree to check on that person, provide them with shelter if needed, and post updates about that person's well-being on their Facebook wall in times of emergency. The app also would prompt the development of an emergency preparedness plan that would be shared with the lifelines.

Specifications of the challenge are online (link).

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/05/prbf0905.htm.

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