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Strategic Plan 2023-2030 > Goals > Communications

Strategic Plan Letter from Dean Hakim Goals About

Communications

Empowering communities through health education

We will use compelling communication to grow the college, pursue community-engaged research, enhance our student experience, connect with our alumni and partners, and build healthy and resilient communities for all.

Communication plays a pivotal role in community and public health for several critical reasons. First and foremost, effective communication is the cornerstone of disseminating crucial information about health and safety measures to the public. Whether it's educating individuals about vaccination campaigns, promoting healthy behaviors, or providing guidance during public health emergencies, clear and timely communication is essential. In times of crisis, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters, swift and accurate information can save lives by guiding people on how to protect themselves and access essential resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health dominated the headlines. However, along with all the news and information came misinformation.

The pandemic vividly demonstrated the dire consequences of misinformation in the realm of public health. The spread of false information and conspiracy theories surrounding the virus posed a significant challenge to effective pandemic response. Inaccurate claims about cures, prevention methods, and the origins of the virus not only led to confusion but also influenced behavior, potentially putting lives at risk. This deluge of misinformation highlighted the critical need for reliable, science-based communication in public health.

It is necessary to have trustworthy sources of information that people can rely on. Building public trust through clear and transparent communication is essential in times of crisis, as it helps to counteract the negative impact of misinformation and encourages individuals to make informed decisions that safeguard their health and the well-being of their communities. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of why accurate and reliable information is an indispensable asset in the field of public health. Our task of providing accurate and reliable information has never been more critical. MEZCOPH will use communication to share important public health information and support public health professionals. We want to be a go-to place for clear, research-based facts and the latest research in public health. We'll use different types of media to reach a wide range of people.

Our strategic focus is to establish MEZCOPH as a premier authority for public health information, offering a wealth of evidence-based, comprehensible public health insights and staying at the forefront of cutting-edge research. This will be accomplished through a well-rounded approach that blends both conventional and emerging media platforms, enabling us to effectively engage a diverse spectrum of target audiences.

“We must provide engaging, effective communication as we work to create a healthier, more equitable world. When we implement programs to stop the spread of disease, support communities as they face climate change and environmental threats, and care for at-risk youth and aging populations, we need clear and strategic communication every step of the way.”

Shipherd Reed
Director, Communications & Digital Media

Goals & Strategy

Increase the Visibility of Our Education and Research Programs to Reach Prospective Students & Faculty

  • Engage prospective students and faculty with compelling content such as videos, testimonials, blogs, and infographics that highlight MEZCOPH’s unique offerings, culture, and success stories.

Increase Engagement with Our Research Using New and Innovative Communications Strategies

  • Showcase Faculty Research to Engage Prospective Students, Faculty, and Donors for Recruitment and Fundraising

Strengthen Connections with Local Communities

  • Highlight community partnerships, programs, and success stories to build connection and awareness

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