Search for specific blog posts by key words, authors, or FPHR capabilities:
Capability or Author
- Accountability & Performance Management
- Anne Graves
- Assessment & Surveillance
- Communications
- Community Partnership Development
- Emergency Preparedness & Response
- Equity
- Erika Guenther
- Jenna Olson
- Mary Parsatoon
- Michelle Stronach
- Organizational Competencies
- Policy Development & Support
- Spoorthy Uddurhally
- Stephany Medina
- Susan Michels
Letting Community Take the Wheel
In our previous blog post, The E Word, we explored ways to talk about barriers to health without relying on often misunderstood or politicized terms. But what do we do next, to actually start breaking down those barriers? It starts with community.
Why Bus Lines Aren’t Run by Health Departments
As public health practitioners, we understand that many drivers of health are beyond the traditional scope of our departments. I recently heard someone say, “I can’t create a bus system run by the health department!” It was a lighthearted comment – but it captured a serious truth: the challenges we face are too complex for any one agency to solve alone. By centering communities most impacted by health inequities, we can design interventions that are effective, equitable, and publicly supported.
And— good news! —we have tools to help us think about how we build partnerships with community.
Talking Data, Equity, or Partnerships? Start with Values.
Do you have data you want to tell people about? Are health equity topics heavy on your mind, and you want others to understand? Are you working to develop a partnership? Here’s one thing you can do to help your words land in the way you intend.
Know what values the people you’re trying to reach have in common with you, as a public health professional. Name those values. Say them loud, proud, and first. When you take a moment to connect in this way, others may be more ready to hear your data, talk about equity, and take action together.
Bridging the Gap: How We Can Better Communicate Across Sectors
Public health is all about creating healthier communities, but sometimes, we do not get the message we intend to in the right way. This is especially true when we are partnering with educators, health systems, business leaders, or housing developers. We want all our partners on board with us and on the same page to create healthier communities. So, how can we bridge the communication gap?