Taking the Health Information High Road

If you are thinking about taking the lead on health information in your area, make sure it's a "natural position" for your health organization to take, says Virginia Hunt and Jay Caughlin, who headed up the communications initiatives for the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center to become the authoritative health resource for West Virginia. Their advice includes:

  • Assessing your community's health needs and establishing a
    communications mission of having the best-informed citizens on healthcare issues in your area.

  • Tapping into available resources. Academic healthcare organizations are strong candidates for health advocacy initiatives because of their educational and credible position in the community.
  • Evaluating your staff. Talented and committed communicators who can train physicians on media relations and research health topics are a must.