Join BMSG at APHA 2024
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Against a deeply divided political backdrop and a media landscape rife with misinformation, the theme for this year’s gathering of the American Public Health Association, Rebuilding Trust in Public Health and Science, could not be more timely.
BMSG is excited to join fellow researchers in Minneapolis to do our small part in fostering healthy information environments. During a pre-conference workshop, our team will be offering tips for communicating about health equity and why it matters, amid attacks on this work. Then, during our sessions on Monday, Oct. 28, we will equip advocates to communicate about difficult topics like the intersection of domestic violence and firearms, and the problematic narratives that have mischaracterized parks and green space as nice bonuses rather than as essential parts of a healthy community. We will also discuss ways to empower historically disenfranchised communities to tell their own stories and make the case for change. Detailed session information is below.
We hope to see you in Minneapolis or connect with you online using #APHA2024. APHA is also live-streaming select sessions this year. Session details for other programs of the Public Health Institute, our fiscal sponsor, can be found on PHI’s website and on X at #phiAPHA.
Pre-conference workshop | Recommitting to equity: The path forward in turbulent times
Saturday, October 26, 2024
8:30 a.m. – noon CST
Separate registration required
Recent political polarization, underfunding of scientific research, and distrust of core institutions like public health agencies threaten our ability to ensure optimal health and well-being for all. As part of a half-day pre-conference workshop, BMSG researchers will review core approaches for public health leaders, practitioners, and community partners to keep in mind when they’re communicating about equity work and why it matters. As attacks on equity work increase, the techniques for effective communication — from leading with values to using plain language — matter now more than ever.
Poster | Talking about domestic violence and firearms: What’s missing from narratives and how we can communicate more effectively to save lives
Monday, October 28, 2024
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CST
Session 3086: Violence Prevention and Control
Board 8
Domestic violence and firearms are deeply interconnected, but do news narratives address that? What does this mean for those being abused? And what populations are at greatest risk? In this poster session, BMSG Director of Research & Associate Program Director Pamela Mejia will share findings from an extensive narrative-change project and highlight best practices for advocates making the case for solutions that can keep families and communities safe. Read the abstract here.
Presentation | Communicating about park and green space equity
Monday, October 28, 2024
3:15 p.m. CST
Session 3288: Crafting Messages and Narrative for Health Policy Advocacy (organized by HCWG),
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. CST
Parks are integral parts of our communities that benefit our health, but many neighborhoods lack them as a result of redlining, segregation, and other racist policies and practices. In this presentation, BMSG Media Researcher Hina Mahmood will share tools to communicate with decision-makers about how we can make sure all communities have access to green space — and a voice in the decision-making process. Read the abstract here.