Elevating the Public Health Conversation Through Digital Storytelling: The 2x2 project

Often absent in medicine and public health is the effective translation of research. the2x2project aims to inform the public health conversation through timely and effective communication of emerging public health science. Our goal through the2x2project is to engage a lay audience who can shape public health conversations. the2x2project seeks

to cover current and significant public health issues, and to illuminate the public health import of current events across news cycles. Content, which includes data briefs, expert commentaries, news analyses, long-form pieces, and special features, is published 2-4 times per week on the site. Individual pieces have enjoyed over 40,000 views, and an active and ongoing social media campaign using Twitter and Facebook enhances content reach. A key feature of the2x2project is its training program, the Communicating Health and Epidemiology Fellowship (CHEF) trains both scientists and communicators to fulfill the translation mission of the Project. Cohorts of 4-5 fellows complete a year-long cooperative training program designed to arm them with excellent translational communication, social media (e.g. the2x2project fellows and staff live-tweeted the 2013 and 2014 APHA Annual Meetings), and content production skills. By blending communication skills with scientific expertise in public health and harnessing the power of digital media, innovative training, and content with current relevance, we can become better equipped to elevate the public health conversation, thereby moving forward the field of public health.