At the beginning of a public health emergency, what we would later label as a crisis communication plan allowed the public health to deliver information to everyone that would help
make decisions on their and their family physical and mental health. Messaging sent by email, or
even a new flash where all part of the designed to change health-related behaviors. Innovative technologies like smartphones, and telehealth have been used to communicate information about emergency response efforts, appointment reminders, video visits with your provider when unable to leave the home. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught not only the United States but the world many lessons on executing effective communications and community engagement during and after a health crisis. Advantages of Effective Messaging
Effective messaging has many benefits in a public health emergency, including:
Overcoming reluctance to seek help in a crisis.
Reaching diverse populations through culturally competent means
Reducing distress and fostering hope for recovery
Consequences of Ineffective Messaging
In any disaster, the consequences of ineffective messaging are magnified. They include:
Decreased help-seeking
Increased mistrust
Increased stigmatization of marginalized groups
Decreased tendency to support one’s community.
