Topic 2.2 Developing Ways to Communicate with Community Members

Issues to Consider

When developing communication methods with community members, it is important to make all information as accessible and understandable as possible. This includes identifying language(s) spoken in the home and accommodating populations with hearing and/or visual impairments. It is also important to know the type(s) of media community members prefer to use to receive information.

Some additional issues that should be considered when developing communication methods include:

• Language
  One language issue at a site might be that community members speak a language other than English. Even to those speaking the same language, technical and scientific terms may mean different things. Some expressions or terms used by community members might be unique to their area and not understood by the health assessor.
• Culture
  The most successful communication methods are based on understanding the background and culture of people in the community.
• Trust
  Community members and the public health assessment team must develop trust in each other through open communication and respect for each other.

It is important to make all information as accessible and understandable as possible. This includes identifying language(s) spoken in the home, accommodating populations with hearing and/or visual impairments and knowing the type(s) of media community members prefer to use to receive information.