Risky Business: Communication During Crisis

with Kristine A. Smith, MA, Director of Public Health Risk Communication, Office of Science and Public Health, New York State Department of Health

July 13, 2006

At the conclusion of the presentation, the participants will be able to:

  1. Anticipate common reactions to events that threaten the public's health and well-being (e.g, speculation, anger and concern, instant experts).
  2. Describe the three types of "noise" which commonly distort public health messages in the event of an emergency (e.g., physical, cultural/literacy and psychological barriers).
  3. Use core principles of risk communication to focus health messages effectively in an emergency, gain trust and overcome "mental noise".
  4. Describe at least three ways to best communicate with the public and other officials in high risk situations (e.g., plan ahead; respond quickly; be accurate, competent, and compassionate, etc.).

Participant Information
All fields in this section are required.
1. Work location?
2. Job position/role?
3. Type of organization/work setting?
4. Race/ethnicity?
5. Gender?
6. What format did you use?
Evaluation
All fields in this section are required.
7. The course was of overall high quality.
8. The program moderator was helpful in framing questions and focusing discussion.
9. The guest speaker(s) was(were) effective in communicating concepts.
10. The program content supported the objective(s).
11. The knowledge gained from this program will help me perform my job more effectively.
12. I would recommend this course for employees in positions similar to mine.
Comments
All fields in this section are optional. Type your responses in the boxes provided.
13. What was the most useful or important thing you learned during this program?
14. What suggestions do you have for improving the program?
15. Please offer other topics of interest you would like to learn more about in future Center for Public Health Preparedness educational activities.
Point of View
16. This program is fair, balanced, and free of commercial bias.
Continuing Education Credits

There is no post-test for this event yet, please check back soon.