At PSCEPH, we support state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) partners in strengthening emergency risk communication systems that improve coordination, reduce harmful health rumors and increase trust during public health emergencies.
This work includes two connected but distinct efforts: the PREPARE Schools Initiative, focused on school–public health communication, and our Hawai‘i risk communication and rumor response work with state public health partners.
PREPARE Schools Initiative
The PREPARE Schools Initiative (Public Health Readiness & Emergency Preparedness through Aligned Response & Effective Communication) strengthens coordination between K–12 schools and Local Health Departments during public health emergencies.
The goal is to move toward a Joint Information System (JIS) approach where schools and public health agencies align messaging, reduce confusion, and respond together in real time.
Our Approach
We use a structured, practice-based approach to build both skills and systems:
- ACTIVE MAPS 10-step process for coordinated communication planning
- CERC-based risk communication training integration
- Self-paced online learning modules
- Joint tabletop exercises (TTXs) to test coordination
- Real-time message mapping to align communication strategies
Areas of Expertise
- School–public health emergency communication systems
- Joint Information System (JIS) development
- Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) training
- Message mapping and coordinated messaging strategies
- Tabletop exercises for cross-sector preparedness
- Harmful health rumors management in school settings
Impact
- Improved consistency and clarity of emergency messaging
- Stronger coordination between schools and Local Health Departments
- Reduced harmful health rumors in school communities
- Increased readiness through shared training and systems
Hawai‘i Risk Communication and Rumor Response
In parallel, we work in Hawaii with the Hawaii Department of Health to strengthen public health risk communication systems and improve response to harmful health rumors during emergencies.
This work focuses on building sustainable capacity within public health systems to detect, track, and respond to misinformation in real time, including applying structured approaches from the Johns Hopkins Practical Playbook for Addressing Health Rumors.
Our Approach
- Strategic planning to strengthen emergency risk communication systems
- Adaptation of evidence-based frameworks for addressing health misinformation, including the Johns Hopkins Practical Playbook for Addressing Health Rumors
- Applied exercises focused on stakeholder engagement and rumor tracking
- Development of culturally responsive communication strategies
Areas of Expertise
- Harmful health rumor response systems
- Emergency risk communication planning
- Stakeholder engagement and trust-building strategies
- Culturally responsive public health messaging
- Operationalizing communication processes within health departments
Impact
- Stronger capacity to identify and respond to health rumors
- More coordinated emergency communication processes
- Improved trust in public health messaging
- More timely and consistent communication during emergencies