Health Communication Collaborative

Our goal

The Health Communication Collaborative seeks to promote population health and well-being by leading with listening to deeply understand what the public knows, believes and values about health. We are an interdisciplinary collaborative using health communication and design to engage the public and develop robust communities of practice to enrich the health information ecosystem.

Listening projects

Projects such as iHeard, 211 Counts and others are constantly listening to the public for ground truths that can inform action locally to globally. We will continue to build and support platforms like these that provide infrastructure for rapid learning through research and action.

Readying the public health workforce

The ways that people get health information today are changing rapidly. We will assure that the next generation of public health professionals is well equipped to thrive in this new and evolving ecosystem by supporting focused learning activities and applied learning experiences in health communication.

Solutions-focused partnerships

We aim to establish multi-sectoral partnerships that engage community and government organizations, and industry in health communication research and solutions.

Leadership

Primary faculty

Matthew Kreuter, MPH, PhD

Kahn Family Professor of Public Health

Penina Acayo Laker, MFA

Associate Professor, WashU Sam Fox School

Alexis Marsh, MSW, LMSW

Senior network manager

Alexis Marsh is a public health professional with nearly a decade of experience in health communication and community-engaged research. Alexis most recently managed national network initiatives within SPH’s Health Communication Research Laboratory, including iHeard, a health knowledge monitoring and response system, and RADx Underserved Populations projects, which addressed COVID-19 health disparities. Alexis previously worked in direct-practice settings with youth and families. Alexis earned her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA in Psychology from North Central College.

What we do

Establish health communication research infrastructure

Engage stakeholders in action-oriented exchanges

Equip future and current public health professionals

Establish multi-sectoral health communication partnerships

Get in touch

For questions about the Health Communications Collaborative research network, or for potential collaboration, email [email protected].