Communication Strategies to Engage Municipal Leaders in Health Equity Efforts

The social determinants of health are being brought to the forefront in discussions of health equity at the local community level. To meaningfully address health inequities, local health departments are increasingly engaging in multi-disciplinary collaboration with colleagues to advance greater understanding and awareness of social, political, economic, and environmental conditions that impact health. This approach goes beyond examining health care system deficiencies by focusing policy makers and advocates on investments in primary prevention.

In this session, participants will learn about a series of focus group discussions conducted by the Connecticut Association of Directors of Health (CADH) in conjunction with the Center for Public Policy and Social Research at Central Connecticut State University to determine how local health departments can best engage municipal leaders in mutual efforts to address health disparities and incorporate health equity principles in the development of regulations, policies, and practices. Focus group participants included representatives involved in economic development, land use and housing, public safety, education, and environmental management from across Connecticut. Key findings will be presented that reveal the benefits and challenges of multidisciplinary collaborative relationships. These findings informed the development of various communication strategies aimed to enhance understanding of the role of health directors in the decision-making and political processes. An emphasis on communication techniques used to further define the role of public health officials and promote their involvement in the political process will be utilized.