Public Health Policy Institute College of Public Health
Public Health Policy Institute College of Public Health and Human Sciences Communication and Outreach Presenter: Craig Mossbaek Date: August 23, 2013
Most important • Need to coordinate with outside partners • Organizations have different roles to play • There are times when the health department will take the lead, and many times when others will take the lead • Be prepared to give up some control 1 Public Health Policy Institute
Gaining Support within the Health Department • Health Department staff will usually take the lead here, but outside partners can help • Similar to working with other policy makers, the goal is getting support for the policy and making it a priority • Gain support from other programs within the health department that will be impacted by the policy • Consider if you need buy-in from other governmental agencies, e. g. , police, schools, etc. 2 Public Health Policy Institute
Coalitions and Partnerships • Need to cultivate coalitions and partnerships very early in the process • An effective coalition includes people and organizations • • • That represent diverse interests Have resources to devote to the policy effort Have relationships to policy makers and other key stakeholders Provide leadership for the coalition Can work collaboratively 3 Public Health Policy Institute
Communication Materials • One-pager (please don’t call it a Fact Sheet) • Visually appealing • The best information that supports the policy • Talking Points – for internal use, but realize that anything is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) • Media Packets – this is where you can have much more detail, but always lead with the best talking points 4 Public Health Policy Institute
Increase legitimacy and build momentum by referring to… • • • The most localized stories and data available Community Health Assessments Community Health Improvement Plans Annual reports on health data Strategic plans of specific health issues National campaigns 5 Public Health Policy Institute
Media Outreach • Reporters • Which news outlets or reporters are likely to be covering this issue? • Develop a relationship with the reporter • Editorial Boards • Timing, usually have only one chance at a meeting • In health departments, communications with the media are closely monitored – build a relationship with the health department staff that coordinate media relations • Other organizations may need to take the lead on media outreach • Strategize about what role the health department can play 6 Public Health Policy Institute
Media Outreach • Press events and press releases need to be newsworthy, thinking about content and format: • • On location with good visuals Local (or national) celebrity A national event or celebration Some policies are newsworthy just in themselves usually because they are controversial • Quotes need to be • Pithy, interesting, etc. • On message Learn from past experience 7 Public Health Policy Institute
After policy adoption • Communication and outreach continues to be important to show support for the policy and to help with policy implementation • In this phase, the health department can take more of the lead • Effective implementation also helps support the next policy effort 8 Public Health Policy Institute
- Slides: 9