Amplifying awareness: 10 tips for using social media for World Thrombosis Day 2024

Social media is essential for the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) campaign because it amplifies the reach of vital information about blood clots. By using platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, individuals from all corners of the globe can join the conversation and share personal stories and educational information, increasing awareness and understanding of blood clots.

Social media allows for the dissemination of educational content, such as the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of thrombosis, in a way that is accessible and engaging. By using the hashtag #WTDay24, participants can connect their posts to the global movement, creating a unified and powerful voice that resonates worldwide.

Organizations also play a pivotal role in leveraging their social media presence to educate and inform their audiences about blood clots. Health institutions, non-profits, advocacy organizations and medical professionals can use their prominent channels to share research findings, patient testimonials and treatment and prevention measures.

By consistently posting about WTD and using the hashtag #WTDay24, individuals and organizations can create a steady stream of information that keeps thrombosis awareness at the forefront throughout the year, culminating in a widespread and impactful WTD on October 13. This collective effort helps to build a more informed public, and, ultimately, contributes to the treatment and prevention of blood clots.

How can you get involved on social media? Download the WTD Social Media Toolkit to get started. Plus, explore these 10 tips to participate in and support WTD on social media for #WTDay24:

1. Engage with WTD content all year long: Interact with posts from WTD by liking, commenting and sharing them. WTD is a year-long movement that culminates on October 13. As WTD draws closer, remember to elevate your social media engagement.
2. Always use the #WTDay24 hashtag: Using the hashtag makes your content and message searchable and link back to the larger campaign. Others will be able to search and view your message and the WTD campaign can share it, too.
3. Mobilize your network: Encourage your followers to join and participate in WTD. Refer to the WTD Social Media Guide for shareable messages.
4. Update your cover photos: Change your social media cover photos to showcase a WTD banner. You can also update your profile photo, in-feed posts and stories to share more about WTD.
5. Share your story: Share a selfie with a message of survival on your social media accounts by using our #SurvivorSelfie template. Patients, survivors and their loved ones are also invited to submit a #MyClotStory.
6. Conduct a social media countdown: From October 1, share daily facts about blood clots leading up to October 13. Use Canva or similar platforms to create graphics in your native language.
7. Share facts sheets and educational resources: Download WTD fact sheets and post them on your social media accounts.
8. Consider hosting a Facebook or Instagram Live: Use Facebook Live or Instagram Live to talk about blood clot signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Remember to tag WTD so we can share it.
9. Engage influencers in your area: Create a list of social media influencers in your region or country who may be interested in supporting WTD. Reach out to them and invite them to participate in the campaign and help spread the message.
10. Collaborate with healthcare providers: Work with healthcare professionals to host online informational sessions for patients about thrombosis.

By engaging in these activities, you can help raise awareness about thrombosis and contribute to the global conversation to support WTD 2024.

To learn more about WTD, visit www.worldthrombosisday.org.