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Why is Emergency Risk Communication Important?

In any crisis that threatens the public’s health, we all become potential spokespeople. You may find yourself in front of a reporter’s microphone, whether you’re a public health nurse, epidemiologist, lab specialist, or public information officer. You may be on the front lines responding to the questions, concerns, and information needs of your community partners, patients, clients, and public at large.

But even more importantly, as public health professionals, it’s your responsibility to reach the people you serve quickly with the information they need to protect their safety and well-being. Successful risk communication saves lives, decreases illness, injury and trauma, and builds trusting relationships between public health entities and the community.