Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began a pilot that leverages text messaging to send information about the H1N1 (swine flu) and other health topics. The pilot is a three month long study that will also include feedback surveys from users to help the CDC better use the platform moving forward.

Unfortunately, the pilot does not make use of free to end user text messages, so any one signing up for the H1N1 texting pilot needs to pay for any texting fees that result from the pilot. To subscribe to the pilot, text HEALTH to 87000 and answer the demographic questions. Pilot subscribers can expect about three health messages per week during the three months. Subscribers can opt out at any time by texting HEALTH QUIT to the number above.

For more on the pilot, check out the CDC's pilot website here