The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently launched an innovative three-month pilot program that sends out text messages about important health issues relating to high priority situations such as H1N1 flu. The program is aimed at increasing communication with the more unhealthy populations who are less likely to receive medical attention. So far, the pilot has received nearly 13,000 subscribers, and if all goes well, is expected to turn into a permanent effort to keep users informed and in good health.

Interested mobile phone users are told to text the word HEALTH to 87000. Once the subscription begins, the user has the option of filling out a survey that asks them to list their gender, age, and zip code, which allows the CDC to send more relevant information to each individual. During the program, subscribers will start receiving text messages with links to content on the CDC's website that pertain to current situations in the health field such as tips for staying healthy and reminders to get flu vaccines.

As of Nov. 17, some 12,665 users from more than 10,000 zip codes subscribed to the pilot program. Females make up 58% of users, while 42% are male; 63% of users are between the ages of 25-54, with 35-44 years-olds being the most popular age range.

Once the pilot has ended, users will be able to evaluate the credibility, quality, and usefulness of information they received via text during the three-month time period. Should the pilot prove to be a success, the CDC will eventually make the program a permanent effort to provide continuous information for more specific health topics such as abstaining from smoking, keeping up good nutrition, and regular physical activity.