Gather.com plans disease communities

Boston-based social network website Gather.com said today it is teaming up with Harvard Health Publications to launch health-specific online communities to help members manage chronic diseases.

The initiative also includes LifeMasters Supported SelfCare Inc., a California provider of disease management programs.

Harvard Health Publications is a provider of health content from Harvard Medical School.

Plans call for 35 communities, each focused on a specific disease, and each online community will provide Gather.com members with access to content and interaction with doctors from Harvard Medical School along with peer-to-peer support, the companies said.

"When people live with a chronic condition, they have a compelling need for information and contact," Gather.com chief executive Tom Gerace said in a statement. "We are leveraging LifeMasters' expertise in managing chronic disease and Harvard's physicians to provide a platform that allows people to engage in active online conversations not only with each other, but also with well-known medical experts."

Unlike many social network websites that are targeted at young consumers, Gather.com focuses on well educated middle-age consumers who enjoy online discussions on topics ranging from politics to fine dining.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)