Drug Control Office Discovers Twitter

The Office of National Drug Control Policy is embracing technology one step at a time. It announced on its blog last week that it has begun using Twitter, a near real-time short messaging service. "ONDCP will use the service to post frequent updates on upcoming drug policy-related announcements, interesting policy-related news links, and other information reflecting Federal anti-drug priorities and initiatives," the blog entry said. "This effort will enable ONDCP to reach more Americans online and illustrates how public institutions can adapt to meet the rapidly changing nature of today's communications environment."

The use of Twitter microblogging technology will "allow ONDCP to expand its ability to share accurate drug information and help more Americans understand how their government is working with communities to reduce drug use," the post continued. In 2005, ONDCP launched the first blog for a cabinet-level agency. In July 2008, the blog received over 90,000 page views and over 300,000 hits. ONDCP also claims to be the first federal agency to have used video-sharing Web site YouTube.com. -- Winter Casey