Bridging the Gap: How We Can Better Communicate Across Sectors

By: Spoorthy Uddurhally*

Public health is all about creating healthier communities, but sometimes, we need to get the message we intend to in the right way. This is especially true when 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? Let's look at some common phrases we use in public health and explore how others might hear them. Considering how our words might be perceived, we can tailor our messages to build stronger partnerships and achieve a more significant impact. By reframing our communications, we can ensure that our public health initiatives are seen as valuable, collaborative efforts that benefit everyone involved. Here are some of the rephrases from phrases.org. 

Data Sharing: Turning Hesitation into Collaboration 

When we ask educators or health systems professionals to share their data, we might say, "If you give me access to your data, I think I can help you integrate health into your strategies." While we see the potential for collaboration, they might think, "Why would we hand our data over to others? We are the experts in our field, and it's unclear why public health professionals need access to our information." 

Here, we can reframe the conversation by highlighting public health's expertise in data analysis and how it can be used to drive innovative solutions. Using the GPS Navigation metaphor, we can explain that just as a GPS helps you navigate to your destination more efficiently, public health's data expertise can help guide the education or health system toward more effective strategies and better outcomes. Emphasizing that collaboration and data-sharing can be empowering—rather than burdensome—can shift the perception from reluctance to partnership. 

Cross-Sector Collaboration: Energizing Shared Missions 

In many cases, there's a concern that public health might be overstepping its bounds or imposing its agenda on other sectors. For example, when discussing introducing health initiatives in schools or health systems, the response might be, "How would public health professionals know what our school or system needs? Our challenges are complex and constantly changing. We don't want outsiders telling us what to do." It's essential to frame public health as a supportive ally rather than an authoritative outsider. We can do this by choosing words that speak to empowerment—such as "energize," "fuel," "boost," "strengthen," and "enhance"—to convey our interest in supporting their work, not dictating it. By sharing stories of successful cross-sector collaborations and featuring current partners as messengers, we can vividly illustrate how public health can adapt to and support the unique missions of other sectors in a way that feels both relevant and beneficial. 

By rethinking and rephrasing our thoughts and questions, we can enhance our communication with partners, fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships that ultimately lead to healthier communities. Let’s work together to bridge the gap and create a lasting impact. For more insights and practical tips on tailoring your messages to resonate across sectors, visit phrases.org, which offers excellent training resources. Check out these three quick free courses that can be completed in under two hours: Training Archives - PHRASES: Public Health Reaching Across Sectors 

*My name is Spoorthy, and I've called Duluth home for the past 11 years, with 18 years of Minnesota life. My kids are true Minnesotans, born and raised here, and they love our snowy winters. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, my journey has taken me from medical school in India to internships and externships across various hospitals in the Twin Cities. I'm pursuing a Masters in Health Informatics and Management at the College of St. Scholastica. Having worked in public health in India, I found this opportunity up my alley. I'm excited to be the new Public Health Corps member, serving our community until May 2025.