Announcing Our New E-Book: Using Person-Centered Language in Public Health Communications

We're excited to share the release of a brand-new resource: Using Person-Centered Language in Public Health Communications.

Public health professionals work hard to communicate clearly and respectfully, but even well-intended messages can unintentionally reinforce stigma or overlook how communities self-identify. This resource is designed to assist public health professionals at all levels in understanding these nuances. It offers strategies for engaging with target populations and demonstrates the importance of incorporating these strategies into their communication plans and health messaging toolkit. 

Importance of Person-Centered Language

​Words matter in public health. The language we use can either reduce stigma and build trust, or it can alienate the very communities we are trying to reach. Person-centered language prioritizes people and their experiences rather than defining them by a single aspect of their identity, whether that's a health condition, demographic characteristic, or life circumstance.

Instead of "diabetics" or "the homeless," person-centered language says, "people with diabetes" or "people experiencing homelessness." 

In practice, it is a simple shift, but it makes a real difference in how individuals feel seen and respected, and the likelihood they will engage with health messaging.

What's Inside?

​This e-book includes a simple, three-step framework, real-world skin cancer prevention case studies, and practical wording examples you can adapt.​ It connects person-centered, equity-driven, and plain-language principles to everyday practice and shows how to tailor messages without stereotyping. It also provides public health communicators with evidence-based guidance on using language that reduces stigma and increases empathy.  Inside this e-book, you get:

• Clear explanations of what person-centered language is (and when it might not apply)
• A framework for implementing it in your own work
• Nuanced guidance on choosing community preferences and identity-first language
• Research steps to help evaluate language with your audience
• Translating principles into headlines, captions, and patient-facing materials
• Real-world examples using cancer prevention messaging across audiences
• Links to other helpful tools from our Library

​Our main objective with this product is to foster effective and inclusive messaging that resonates with the communities we serve. We understand that maintaining trust is crucial, and we aim to ensure no one misses out on vital public health information. By putting these approaches into action, we hope to elevate public health conversations and outreach, paving the way for significant improvements in how we communicate and connect with all populations.

Download the E-Book