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Smallpox Communications

Smallpox Communications. Trina H. Lee Public Relations Virginia Dept. of Health. What to Expect. The public will need information to help minimize their risk A public health emergency will trigger high level of public and media interest

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Smallpox Communications

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  1. Smallpox Communications Trina H. Lee Public Relations Virginia Dept. of Health

  2. What to Expect • The public will need information to help minimize their risk • A public health emergency will trigger high level of public and media interest • Media involvement is an important part of emergency response

  3. What to Expect • Worried Well - may overwhelm resources - demand unnecessary treatment

  4. What to Expect • Lack of Information = Fear • Silence = Distrust • Information is the antidote for fear

  5. Risk Communication • Express empathy • Don’t over reassure • Acknowledge uncertainty or fear • Explain the process in place

  6. Risk Communication • Express wishes • Acknowledge what we don’t know • Give people things to do • Statement of commitment

  7. Risk Communication • Mental Noise Theory – difficulty hearing, understanding and remembering • Three Key Messages • Keep Brief & Repeat Often • Three Positives = One Negative

  8. Risk Communication • Be First • Be Right • Be Credible

  9. Trina H. LeePublic RelationsVirginia Dept. of Health804-786-4265tlee@vdh.state.va.uswww.vdh.state.va.us

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