College of Public Health and Human Sciences

1. College of Public Health and Human Sciences Public Health Policy Institute Communication and Outreach Presenter: Craig Mossbaek Date: August 23, 2013

2. 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 Public Health Policy Institute

3. 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. Public Health Policy Institute

4. 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 Public Health Policy Institute

5. 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 Public Health Policy Institute

6. 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 Public Health Policy Institute

7. 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 Public Health Policy Institute

8. 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 Public Health Policy Institute

9. 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 Public Health Policy Institute