Effectively Communicate Culturally Component Information to Key Stakeholders

Health Equity Strategies for Communication Activities - Continued

Translate data, intervention activities, and other information in languages relevant to the population being served (i.e., Spanish in a majority Spanish speaking community).

Use graphics, fact sheets, and/or other brief formats to disseminate information.

Use accessible channels to share information to communities (e.g., social media, blogs, organizational websites, local businesses, schools, faith centers, etc.).

Strengthen storytelling techniques. Storytelling is a powerful and compelling communication method that can capture an audience’s attention, engage them emotionally, and motivate them to act. By telling personalized stories, public health professionals can convey how complex surveillance systems and prevention programs positively impact everyday lives. Be mindful of unintended consequences storytelling can hold and shape your stories based on evidence and practice-based activities. Make sure to avoid language that demonizes marginalized populations, is intrusive, and/or doesn’t focus on systemic causes for injury and violence.

Create and maintain a photo library. The most powerful element of any communication effort is always visual. Whenever possible, pictures (with permission) should be taken at every program, training, or event. Be mindful and honest of who and what is being photographed; limit photos of marginalized communities for the purpose of showing diversity. If there’s a lack of diversity at events, it’s time to evaluate your DEI strategy and shift target marketing audiences. These photos should be kept organized in a digital format and regularly included in internal and external communications. These photos will go a long way toward illustrating the work of the IVP program in a way that words and numbers alone cannot.