As part of the #SciComm Seminar series, the Center for Health and Science Communication at Becker Library welcomed Ross C. Brownson, PhD, the Steven H. and Susan U. Lipstein Distinguished Professor of Public Health at the Brown School and School of Medicine, in April 2025. During the session, Dr. Brownson shared some insights on communicating effectively with policymakers and selected resources for improving communication. A few of the highlighted resources include:
Public Health Reaching Across Sectors: Motivating the Public to Support Public Health – This research-based toolkit guides users through communicating with non-experts and provides ways to motivate the public to support public health. It includes techniques and ideas such as effective narrative structure, a one-minute message, and tips for removing jargon.
Rural Health Information Hub: Rural Community Health Toolkit – This toolkit provides resources for working with rural health communities. Its six modules include best practices for creating, reviewing, implementing, evaluating, planning, and disseminating rural health programs.
National Association of County & City Health Officials: Health Department Communications – Resources include a social media kit and a planning guide to help local health departments effectively communicate their value and build relationships with the media, policymakers, and public.
Evidence for Action: Storytelling for Social Change – The authors of this guide propose a set of considerations for creating policy narratives to support advocacy efforts. The guide includes practical steps and a case example demonstrating the essential qualities of a compelling story.
Voices for Healthy Kids: Messaging Guide for Policy Advocates – This guide was custom-made for policy advocates. It includes messages to support decision-makers in creating effective policies and advancing bipartisan solutions.
D4DS Planner – Developed in partnership with WashU researchers, the D4DS Planner helps you engage partners through a planning process to maximize the impact of your project.
If you missed Dr. Brownson’s presentation, check out the recording on our #SciComm Seminars Digital Commons collection. His book, Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health: Translating Science to Practice, is available at Becker Library.
Learn more about WashU Medicine’s history of working with policymakers in Laura Weis’s recent blog, “Engaging with Policymakers, Past and Present.”