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Communicating During Global Emergencies

Dabney P. Evans, PhD, MPH and Julia Smith-Easley

In collaboration with the Rollins School of Public Health and the CDC's Division of Global Health Protection, Emergency Response, and Recovery Branch, this course introduces basic concepts and principles of communicating during a global crisis or emergency. It explores why communication during an emergency is different and the importance of adapting emergency messages to the needs of affected populations. Through sample scenarios, you will get the opportunity to identify information needs and develop useful messages using six guiding principles to help you communicate effectively and promote behaviors that reduce health risks during an emergency.

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Syllabus

Overview of Crisis and Emergency Risk Communications

During this week, we'll explore the framework of CERC, the primary function of risk communications, and consider common principles to follow when communicating to affected communities during a crisis.

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Introduces basic principles of communicating during global health emergencies

Provides sample scenarios for practicing message development and communication

Addresses the importance of adapting messages to meet the needs of affected populations

Taught by instructors from the Rollins School of Public Health and the CDC

Covers relevant topics such as crisis communication planning and international health regulations

Prerequires students to have prior knowledge of public health and emergency response

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Reviews summary

Communicating during global emergencies review

According to learners, this course provides a solid and practical introduction to communicating during global emergencies. Many found the content on CERC principles and adapting messages highly relevant to their professional work. The syllabus is well-structured and the scenarios are particularly helpful for applying concepts. While it offers a strong foundation, some reviewers noted that the course can feel too basic or superficial if you have prior experience, suggesting a potential lack of depth for advanced learners.

Valuable for professional application.

"The content is relevant, especially the parts on adapting messages for different populations."

"This is crucial training for my work in disaster preparedness."

"Essential for anyone working in public health emergencies."

"Valuable insights into CERC."

Excellent introduction to core concepts.

"Excellent overview of CERC principles and their application."

"A solid introduction to communicating during emergencies."

"Good course, provides a strong framework."

"This course provided me with a strong foundation in using CERC principles."

Helps apply theory effectively.

"The scenarios were very helpful in understanding how to apply the framework in real-world situations."

"Week 3's fictional scenario was a highlight – it really brought the IHR concepts to life."

"The scenarios are useful."

"I appreciated the practical examples, though more advanced topics could be included..."

May lack depth for experienced learners.

"...those with prior experience in risk communication might find it too basic."

"I expected more depth. It's very theoretical and doesn't provide enough actionable strategies..."

"...felt a bit superficial in parts."

"...more advanced topics could be included for those with some background."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Communicating During Global Emergencies with these activities:

Use the CDC's risk communication tools

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To get a comprehensive overview, it's recommended to explore the tools and resources provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

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Visit the CDC's website on risk communication and explore the available tools.
Select 2-3 tools that you find most relevant to your interests.
Follow the tutorials or guidance provided by the CDC to learn how to use these tools.

Explore pandemic communication case studies

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Reviewing case studies will provide you with practical examples and insights into the challenges and successes of communication during pandemics.

Browse courses on Public Health Communication

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Identify relevant case studies
Analyze the communication strategies used
Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication efforts
Draw lessons and implications for future communications

Practice message development

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Writing practice messages will help you solidify your understanding of the six guiding principles of emergency communication.

Browse courses on Message Development

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Review the six guiding principles of emergency communication
Identify an emergency scenario and target audience
Develop a message that follows the guiding principles
Review your message with a peer or instructor

Two other activities

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Practice developing emergency communication messages

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Develop draft emergency messages to practice applying communication principles.

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Identify the target audience for the emergency message
Determine the key objectives of the message
Craft a message that is clear, concise, and actionable
Review the message to ensure it aligns with communication principles
Test the message with colleagues or family members to gather feedback

Discuss communication strategies

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Engaging in peer discussions will allow you to share knowledge and perspectives on effective communication approaches during crises and emergencies.

Browse courses on Communication Strategies

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Join or create a study group or discussion forum
Prepare questions and talking points
Actively participate in discussions
Share your own insights and experiences

Career center

Learners who complete Communicating During Global Emergencies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. They use this information to develop strategies to prevent and control disease outbreaks. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Epidemiologists develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public about health risks and how to prevent them. The course can also help Epidemiologists develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global health emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to provide information and resources on a variety of health topics. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Public Health Educators develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public about health risks and how to prevent them. The course can also help Public Health Educators develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global health emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Health Communications Specialist

Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. They work with a variety of audiences, including the public, patients, and healthcare providers. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Health Communications Specialists develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public about health risks and how to prevent them. The course can also help Health Communications Specialists develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global health emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Disaster Relief Coordinator

Disaster Relief Coordinators plan and coordinate disaster relief efforts. They work with a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Disaster Relief Coordinators develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, disaster survivors, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Disaster Relief Coordinators develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a disaster.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Relief Coordinator

Emergency Management Specialist

Emergency Management Specialists develop and implement plans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. They work with a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Emergency Management Specialists develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, emergency responders, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Emergency Management Specialists develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of an emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Management Specialist

Global Health Specialist

Global Health Specialists work to improve the health of populations around the world. They work with a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Global Health Specialists develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, health care providers, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Global Health Specialists develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global health emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Specialist

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the social and economic conditions of developing countries. They work with a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help International Development Specialists develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, government officials, and other stakeholders. The course can also help International Development Specialists develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Medical Anthropologist

Medical Anthropologists study the relationship between culture and health. They work with a variety of populations, including indigenous communities, refugee populations, and disaster survivors. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Medical Anthropologists develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, health care providers, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Medical Anthropologists develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global health emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Anthropologist

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of populations. They work with a variety of populations, including children, families, and the elderly. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Public Health Nurses develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, patients, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Public Health Nurses develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global health emergency.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to cope with personal and social problems. They work with a variety of populations, including children, families, and the elderly. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Social Workers develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with clients, families, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Social Workers develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global emergency.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to bring about social and economic change. They work with a variety of groups, including community organizations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Community Organizers develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, community leaders, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Community Organizers develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Journalists develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, sources, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Journalists develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global emergency.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including news, entertainment, and marketing. They work for a variety of organizations, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and businesses. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Writers develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with the public, editors, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Writers develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global emergency.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and publish written content. They work for a variety of organizations, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and businesses. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Editors develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with writers, authors, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Editors develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global emergency.

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Publisher

Publishers oversee the production and distribution of written content. They work for a variety of organizations, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and businesses. The Communicating During Global Emergencies course can help Publishers develop the communication skills they need to effectively communicate with authors, editors, and other stakeholders. The course can also help Publishers develop the skills they need to create and implement communication plans in the event of a global emergency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Publisher

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Communicating During Global Emergencies.

Communicating Risk in Public Health Emergencies

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Provides an overview of the International Health Regulations, which are the global framework for preventing and responding to public health emergencies.

Communicating During Global Emergencies

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Communicating during global emergencies review

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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