Colorado has taken online community engagement one step further than many states by creating a reality-type exercise with citizens, who will be selected to compete only after they submit a video through YouTube. Competitors can submit a simple video in which they describe five things without which they could not live. Winners will live in a house for a multi-day period and undergo televised challenges to acquaint them with potential situations they may face during a pandemic. A Denver TV station is slated to cover competitors' experiences each evening as part of its regular broadcast. The state health department paid the media company with which it contracted, but planners obtained the rest of materials (e.g., prizes, supplies) through donations. The reality show competition is part of a larger campaign to encourage greater awareness of preparedness issues in Colorado.
The department also partnered with a spring water company and a grocery store to offer education and sales on preparedness kit supplies. Although the Web site is not yet complete, this practice uses a creative approach that has high potential to motivate people to interact with the television show and consider emergency preparedness issues. It may require substantial marketing to drive traffic to the Web site and encourage participation in the contest. Due to the complex nature of this practice, it is most practical for the resources of a large state health department.