Communications

A1. Develop, implement, and maintain systems for communications with public health, cross-sector partners and the public.

A2. Include methods to engage communities not reached through traditional public health channels in communication plans.

A3. Collaborate with partners and communities to co-create communications strategies.

A4. Establish metrics and monitor quality of public health communications.

A5. Assure all communications are clear, inclusive, and available in multiple formats to meet diverse needs, including language accessibility, readability/plain language, and accommodations for disabilities.

B1. Develop, implement, and maintain organizational communication policies (including standard operating procedures, identification of spokesperson, process for responding to media requests, and media contact list) related to media engagement.

B2. Develop, implement, and maintain organizational communication templates (such as news release templates and contact lists) for media engagement.

B3. Assure information and messages of public health importance are shared proactively with the media, including but not limited to, disseminating news releases, conducting news conferences, and using electronic/digital communication tools to interact with the media.

B4. Strategically evaluate media coverage and outreach to assure reach across all communities, leveraging trusted communicators to enhance credibility and engagement.

B5. Assure communication training to subject matter experts and leadership.

C1. Assess and identify which social media and other digital platforms (such as blogs, podcasts, and email newsletters) are available for use.

C2. Develop, implement, and maintain policies for using social media and other digital platforms. This may include protocol for responding to comments and concerns and responding to feedback, such as a social media policy.

C3. Build in-house capacity to use social media and other digital platforms, including building infrastructure (information technology capabilities and permissions, software, and apps) and engaging in training.

C4. Assess and determine effective social media or other platforms to reach the focus audience, and develop aligned content and messaging based on audience insights, including active listening and engagement.

C5. Leverage partnerships to expand reach.

C6. Use analytics, and other data sources, to evaluate impact of and engagement with social media and other platform. Implement necessary improvements accordingly.

D1. Develop, implement, and maintain systems for communications (communication channels) with public health organizations, other cross-sector partners, and the public.

D2. Provide training and skill development for communicators.

D3. Develop relationships with trusted community leaders.

D4. Develop and adapt messages to fit the needs (such as culture, language, and literacy level) of key audiences, engage trusted community messengers, and practice deep listening. Pilot test messaging to assure content reflects the needs and perspectives of the focus population.

E1. Lead and coordinate messaging using Crisis and Emergency Risk Communications principles to assure consistency in messaging around critical public information, with intentional focus on communicating with accessible language and cultural humility.

E2. Transmit and receive routine communications to and from the public in an appropriate, timely, and accurate manner.

E3. Assess and prioritize products, tactics, and channels for public-facing communications.

E4. Collaborate with partners and communities to co-create strategies for risk communication, including strategies for addressing mis- and dis-information.

E5. In the event of a public health crisis or event, lead and/or coordinate communication between public health, health organizations, national organizations, and federal and state agencies.

F1. Design and implement a health education strategy which encourages actions to promote health in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways, including using electronic communication tools.

F2. Assess and prioritize products, tactics, and channels for public-facing communications.

F3. Engage community members and partners to co-create proactive health education communication strategy.

• MDH-LPH Communications Community of Practice
• Message Toolkit: Inspiring Partners to Strengthen Public Health in Minnesota