1. What is health communication and how does CFHJ use it to tell better stories?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health communication is the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence decisions and actions to improve health.

But health communication is also the study of how to promote equitable messages in public health and healthcare, as well as the study of how to improve the accessibility and relevancy of health information. In fact, there aren’t any national or international definitions of health communication that mention “equity”. This is where CFHJ comes in.

2. What does the health communication, or communications industry look like, demographically?

Well, it’s not racially diverse, to say the least. And while the racial background of a person is not directly correlated with more equitable behavior, racial diversity and representation do matter.

In March 2022, we compiled a report with research from the Diversity Action Alliance (DAA) and other sources where we examined the diversity in teams leadership across communications, and health communication organizations. According to 2019 DAA research, the communications industry across a selection of more than 100 organizations was represented as, "93% of top leaders are White, while 87% of executives who are one level below the top are White. Notably more diversity can be found among mid-level (19%), entry-level (26%) & admin ranks (44%). And that’s just one stat. Read the complete report.  

3. But isn’t CFHJ like other public health or healthcare comms platforms?

We take an original approach to health equity and social justice (but we won’t give away our secret formula here!). Whether you work in healthcare or public health, CFHJ tends to move people to engage further in activism, fight against not only racism, but anti-blackness, especially bias Black women and girls, and challenge their thinking about what makes people sick and healthy in a way that other broad, health-related platforms cannot replicate. We all know who is disproportionately impacted by health inequity. CFHJ is unapologetic about addressing this fact.

4. I’d like to fiscally support CFHJ. How can I do this?

You can get in contact with us. Thank you for your interest in supporting our work!

5. Looks great! How can I get involved at CFHJ?

Definitely! We’re always looking for emerging talent. The best way to get involved is to follow us on our social media channels to understand what makes CFHJ unique. We receive many inquiries and we are looking to work with folks who have genuine interest and experience in health, but we also want people with direct experience in equity and anti-racism work.

6. What’s the best way to contact CFHJ?

Great question! You can reach out to CFHJ via private message on any of our social media channels, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Tik Tok. You may also send an email to info@cfhj.org.