We are celebrating a selection of resources that helped address pressing public health challenges in 2023. Thank you to those who submitted actionable, plain language, and equitable communications resources. From toolkits and reports to videos and infographics, the resources you developed highlight our collective dedication to building and maintaining healthy communities. We are continuously learning and inspired by the PHCC community, and we look forward to more progress in public health in the new year!
Learn more about the 2023 Public Health Communications Spotlights.
Submissions were collected from Thursday, November 30, 2023 to Monday, December 11, 2023. Topic areas include vaccination promotion, public health policy and advocacy, and social media communications.
Immunization and Vaccination Campaigns
“We Are Super-Immunes” by Immunize Nevada
“This campaign focuses on “tripledemic” vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Persuasive messaging and visuals encourage families to opt for all three vaccines by emphasizing the unique benefits of each and how they collectively contribute to personal, family, and community protection.”
Learn more about Immunize Nevada.
Submitter: Sarah Jane Smith, Director of Training, Evaluation and Health Communications, Immunize Nevada
“For the Young and the Young at Heart” by Mecklenburg County Health Department
“This educational campaign promotes both the updated flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines to county residents. Flu and COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for older adults and people with pre-existing conditions who are at higher risk of developing serious complications from these viruses, but even healthy people can experience long-term health problems. Vaccines reduce the risk of all negative outcomes for all people, from the very young to the young at heart.”
Learn more about Mecklenburg County Health Department.
Submitter: Michelle Partridge-Doerr, Health Communications Manager, Mecklenburg County Health Department
“Get Your Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy” by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
“Alongside CDC, ACOG developed five short, live-action patient education videos to help ob-gyns communicate the importance and benefit of recommended vaccines during pregnancy.”
Learn more about The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Submitter: Sheila Reynoso, Program Manager, ACOG
Toolkits for Public Health Advocacy
Kansas Public Health Association Legislative Toolkit
“It’s critical to support public health professionals in understanding the legislative process and how to effectively frame messages to elected officials. Toolkit users will find definitions, best-practice recommendations, written and verbal testimonial templates, and a collection of local and national resources to fully engage in advocating and lobbying for their communities.”
Learn more about the Kansas Public Health Association (KPHA).
Submitter: Shelby Ostrom, Policy and Advocacy Chair, Kansas Public Health Association
Health Communications Toolbox – “The Complete List of Observances for Public Health Communication and Marketing” by Let’s Talk Public Health
“The Health Communications Toolbox provides an in-depth overview of all the essential resources needed to expand public health communication skills. The Public Health Observances list is a comprehensive list that supports public health communicators to incorporate health awareness observances into strategic communications plans to expand the reach of messages.”
Learn more about Let’s Talk Public Health.
Submitter: Monique Thornton, Chief Executive Officer, Let’s Talk Public Health
Public Health Social Media Campaigns
“Extreme Heat Safety and Illness Prevention” by Hood River County Health Department
“Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. This resource is part of a larger state-wide initiative to provide easily accessible resources for members of the public, local health departments, and other organizations to assist ongoing outreach efforts to those most vulnerable to extreme heat events.”
Learn more about Hood River County Health Department.
Submitter: Melissa Shays, Communications Liason, Hood River County Health Department
“Sexual Health in the Media” by the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH)
“This iteration of NCSH’s quarterly campaign focuses on providing and encouraging the creation of sexual health content that can be used and/or adapted for digital and social media channels.”
Learn more about the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH).
Submitter: Lauren Mitchell, Communications Analyst, NCSH/Altarum
“View From Here” by Western North Carolina Health Network (WNCHN)
“This umbrella social media campaign (e.g., social media graphics and videos, messaging, etc.) focuses on the top three shared health priorities (as identified through local community/tribal health needs assessment) amongst the 19 counties and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in this North Carolina region: mental health; substance use; and healthy eating/active living.”
Learn more about Western North Carolina Health Network (WNCHN).
Submitter: Deana Stephens, Director of Community Health Programs, Madison County Health Department
