Communicating Public Health Science with Diverse Communities
Friday, August 19, 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CDT | Zoom Room A
We all know that communication is at least a two-way street, but oftentimes, some people and some communities have more access to scientific information than others. How information is shared, what information is shared, when and through what messengers? These are real challenges for the field of public health that strives to protect and improve the health of people and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light many struggles for science communication including the need for developing trust, engaging with individuals and communities, and leveraging both established and innovative communication channels to reach diverse audiences. During this presentation, we will discuss the science and art of health communication, community engagement, and provide brief examples related to communicating science to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Athena Ramos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and is affiliated with the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH), and the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, Nebraska. She leads a Latino outreach and engagement team and serves as principal investigator for multiple community-based health and social research and education initiatives in such areas as occupational health and safety within the agrifood system, immigrant integration, and community well-being. She has over 20 years of experience developing and implementing social, health, and human service programs with culturally diverse populations. She continuously strives to bring a sense of hope and vitality to the work she does both professionally and personally.
Dr. Ramos has been honored numerous times for her commitment and dedication to making Omaha and Nebraska a healthier, more inclusive, and vibrant place to live, work, and play. She was recognized as one of the “40 Under 40” by the Midlands Business Journal, one of the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans, the American Heart Association’s Advocacy Volunteer of the Year, the Nebraska Latino American Commission’s Inspiration Award recipient, and a WCA Tribute to Women Honoree. Recently, she was awarded the Carruth J. Wagner Faculty Prize in Public Health from the UNMC College of Public Health for her work during the pandemic. Dr. Ramos is married and is the mother of four children.
