Access this module
The Northwest Center for Public Health Practice modules are accessed through a secure learning environment called PH LearnLink, which allows you to keep track of your learning experiences as you take our modules.

You may find the help pages useful when getting started in PH LearnLink.

Description

Effective communication with the public during an emergency is vital to protect the community's health. This module can help you learn how to better handle your risk communication. It provides an overview of how to plan for an emergency, create effective messages, and interact with the media and community in times of crisis.

This module received the 2006 Gold Award for Excellence in Public Health Communication from the National Public Health Information Coalition.

Objectives

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• List some common reactions exhibited by the public during public health emergencies
• Identify some effective communication strategies that can be used during public health emergencies
• Communicate with the news media more effectively during public health emergencies
• Work with the community more effectively during periods of heightened emotion
• Participate in planning processes that can help your organization be better prepared for communicating during an emergency