National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC)

 National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC)

EPIC partners play an important role in emergencies. Learn about a different partner each month.

What is NPHIC’s Mission? "Making Public Health Public." (Our full mission statement is on our website).

What is the role of NPHIC in a public health emergency?

NPHIC serves as a channel for Communication Directors, Public Information Officers, and Risk Communicators at every state and territory health department to receive real-time information about an emergency. The goal is a “many voices, one message” response. With its robust network of communicators and history of leadership, NPHIC increases the capabilities of public health communicators to cascade emergency health messages throughout their jurisdictions quickly and effectively. We also do that every day by sharing information about current and chronic health concerns and providing support through our website, conference calls, webinars, and other resources.

How do you plan for emergencies?

We build on lessons learned, but NPHIC’s real strength is in our membership. We facilitate networking among our members, so they can share information through NPHIC and not have to re-invent the wheel when time and resources are strained. Post-event, we usually conduct regional calls where members from across the country share their experiences—what worked, what didn’t, what we should do differently next time. That information comes from the front lines, and we incorporate it into our planning.

What is one experience or lesson learned that you have from an emergency response?

In an emergency, the health communicators with “boots on the ground” need to have the facts—fast. They also need support from NPHIC colleagues who have experienced similar crises and can share their resources and advice. One member recently said that he learned “how important it is to know people who are in other organizations and being able to trust them when they say something or say they’ll provide information to you.” Others told us, “The networking and opportunities that we have to work and share with and learn from other health communicators is something that I have personally found to be very valuable and beneficial.” And, “Honestly and truly, NPHIC has been a great resource for me as a new person working in public health communication.” Through disease outbreaks, severe weather incidents, and myriad other crises, it has become clear that public health communicators have a lead role in helping to keep people safe and out of harm’s way.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other EPIC partners?

Get to know each other. It’s often said, “You don’t want to be exchanging business cards during an emergency.” Our members benefit from interacting in calmer circumstances so that when a public health emergency occurs, they know where to find help. NPHIC is the conduit to getting them that help. Also, familiarize yourself with the incident communication resources on our website. They might give you the head start you need when you have no time to spare.