Using public relations strategies to prompt populations at risk to seek health information: the Hanford Community Health Project.
The Hanford Community Health Project (HCHP) addressed health concerns among "downwinders" exposed to releases of radioactive iodine (I-131) from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in the 1940s and 1950s. After developing educational materials and conducting initial outreach, HCHP had to decide whether to apply its limited resources to an advertising or public relations approach. The decision to apply public relations strategies was effective in driving awareness of the risk communication message at the community level, reinvigorating the affected community, and ultimately increasing the number of people who sought information about their risk of exposure and related health issues. HCHP used a series of communication tools to reach out to local and regional media, medical and health professionals, and community organizations. The campaign was successful in increasing the number of unique visitors to HCHP Web site and educating and activating the medical community around the releases of I-131 and patient care choices.
Thomas
Gregory D
GD
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. gthomas@cdc.gov
Smith
Stephen M
SM
Turcotte
Joseph A
JA
D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009688:Nuclear Reactors; D009922:Oregon / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011641:Public Relations; D011830:Radiation Effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes