3075.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - 1:30 PM

Abstract #23757

CDCynergy 2001: A tool for strategically planning health communication

Varian C. Brandon, MMC1, A. Brittney Anderson, MEd1, and Christine E. Prue, PhD2. (1) Office of Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Communication, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop D-42, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-7853, vfb0@cdc.gov, (2) Office of Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop D42, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333

CDCynergy 2001 is a multi-media CD-ROM used for planning, managing, and evaluating public health communication programs.

Communication may play a dominant or supporting role in any intervention. Some roles may include communication strategies such as public relations; media advocacy; and/or edutainment, where desired behaviors are modeled in an entertainment program. All of these strategies may include a range of communication activities that can occur at the individual, small group or mass media level.

Deciding on the right communication strategy and mix to best influence attitudes and actions is a complex process. CDCynergy 2001 provides participants with a CDROM-based process that demonstrates what is involved in systematically conceptualizing, planning, developing, testing, implementing, and evaluating health communication activities within a larger public health framework.

CDCynergy 2001 not only uses technology to train health educators, but also promotes accountability and the importance of evaluation. Case examples are included and can be easily referenced. This health communication tool provides a wealth of resources at the user's fingertips. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the six phases required to conceptualize, plan, develop, test, implement, and evaluate health communication. 2. Apply the tools incorporated within CDCynergy 2001 to assist in developing and implementing a communication plan.

CDCynergy 2001 is rapidly becoming the planning tool of choice among health communicators and health educators at local, state, national and international levels. APHA provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate CDCynergy 2001 and share its planning capabilities with the nation's leading health professionals.

Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the six phases required to conceptualize, plan, develop, test, implement, and evaluate health communication. 2. Apply the tools incorporated within CDCynergy 2001 to assist in developing and implementing a communication plan.

Keywords: Communication, Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA