Communicating During Global Emergencies

In collaboration with the Rollins School of Public Health and the CDC's Division of Global Health Protection, Emergency Response, and Recovery Branch, this course introduces basic concepts and principles of communicating during a global crisis or emergency. It explores why communication during an emergency is different and the importance of adapting emergency messages to the needs of affected populations. Through sample scenarios, you will get the opportunity to identify information needs and develop useful messages using six guiding principles to help you communicate effectively and promote behaviors that reduce health risks during an emergency.

• Overview of Crisis and Emergency Risk Communications
• During this week, we'll explore the framework of CERC, the primary function of risk communications, and consider common principles to follow when communicating to affected communities during a crisis.
• Crisis Communication Planning
• In this week, we'll consider the focus of communication during emergency response as well as the creation and application of a crisis communication plan.
• International Health Regulations' Risk Communication Components
• During our final week, we'll explore the International Health Regulations' four components of risk communication through a fictional scenario.