In this last area of responsibility, health educators are to communicate effectively to deliver messages, advocate for health and health education/promotion, and promote the health education and health promotion profession overall. The first step is to identify the future message(s) to be conveyed to the target population. Once this has been decided, the message is created using the chosen applicable communication theories or models. It is important to remember when creating these messages to write them in a way which is conducive to the literacy level of the intended audience. The best suited technological approach must be used to deliver the messages along with using any potential media outlets as well. If possible, it would be smart to conduct a pilot for the delivery method of the messages. That way this message delivery strategy can be tested for its effectiveness and the feedback received can be used to improve the message and/or its delivery.

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Advocacy is a valuable and beneficial tool to use in the field of health education and health promotion. These efforts have the potential to generate funds, implement changes, and gain resources. In order to advocate effectively, you must first identify existing and developing issues in the health education and health promotion field which require advocacy efforts. An advocacy plan needs to be developed, an effective strategy/strategies must be chosen, and the use of resources are essential to carry out these efforts. As always, it is important that all advocacy plans comply with all ethical and legal policies and guidelines, and you want to always share advocacy plans with partners and stakeholders to engage them to participate as well. Within advocating for health-related issues, we also want to influence policies and potential changes in the system which promote health and health education. To effectively engage in legislative advocacy to influence decision makers, it is important to use evidence-based findings to build a credible and stronger argument. It is also wise to look at the current and anticipated policies and systems in health and health education to have a better understanding of the current political focus regarding health.

 

Last, promoting health education and health promotion is vital to growth and reputation of the field. Ultimately, a development plan for the health education and health promotion specialist should be created and implemented. Other steps to achieve growth in the field include explaining the major aspects of the health education specialist such as their responsibilities and the history of the profession. Also, explaining the roles and benefits of professional organizations shows the importance of participation in such groups to help advance the profession. Materials should also be developed to add to the literature already out there. This helps keep the information current and up to date, and is great way to expand your individual knowledge on the subject and contribute to the growing field. In addition, one of the best ways to lead is to act as a mentor, participate in service, and to help others.

 

Coming up at the end of May, the collaborative as a whole will be promoting one unified message which is Don’t Fry Day (7.1). This campaign shows and discusses the importance of wearing sunscreen along with the negative consequences of not applying it as well. Although this is a unified effort, each county has the liberty to share this message however they choose. For example, several counties are putting up posters in the county health departments and at the beach, and providing brochures with appropriate literature to the public (7.1.1). Other counties are participating in scheduled events to promote this message. Some of these events are recreational activities such as runs and sporting events where the need for sunscreen is high. We are trying to promote this message where it would be most applicable and effective. Another county is using their official Twitter account to post information about sun safety and Don’t Fry Day (7.1.6). Using this technological social platform will reach a wide range of people. No matter which method is used to promote Don’t Fry Day, all material and literature is tailored to meet the needs of the target population (7.1.3).

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Artifacts:

Don't Fry Day Brochure

Don't Fry Day Poster

Don't Fry Day Social Media Campaign

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