Letter from the CEO - 1/1/2020

Welcome to Let's Talk Public Health!
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The new year brings us into a new decade, and with that, comes a new set of Healthy People objectives.

It may surprise you to know that health communication is a topic area covered by Healthy People. In 2010, 13 “Health Communication and Health Information Technology” goals were included for Healthy People 2020, each with at least one objective (for a total of 25 measurable objectives):

1. Improve the health literacy of the population
2. ​Increase the proportion of persons who report that their health care providers have satisfactory communication skills
3. Increase the proportion of persons who report that their health care providers always involved them in decisions about their health care as much as they wanted
4. ​Increase the proportion of patients whose doctor recommends personalized health information resources to help them manage their health
5. Increase the proportion of persons who use electronic personal health management tools
6. Increase individuals’ access to the Internet
7. Increase the proportion of adults who report having friends or family members with whom they talk about their health
8. Increase the proportion of quality, health-related websites
9. Increase the proportion of online health information seekers who report easily accessing health information
10. Increase the proportion of medical practices that use electronic health records
11. Increase the proportion of meaningful users of health information technology (HIT)
12. Increase the proportion of crisis and emergency risk messages intended to protect the public’s health that demonstrate the use of best practices
13. Increase social marketing in health promotion and disease prevention

Based on the Midcourse Review, 44.0% of the measurable objectives improved or met/exceeded targets, while 20.0% got worse or didn't change.

Here at Let’s Talk Public Health, we want to do what we can to help contribute to the achievement of the Healthy People health communication and HIT goals and objectives. We want to help public health professionals reach their target audiences with messages that inform, engage, and influence healthy behavior changes to improve quality of life, health, and wellness.

While we await the release of the Healthy People 2030 goals and objectives, we are kicking off the new year with a series on Generation Z--this generation includes people born from 1997 to 2012. While the eldest Gen Zers are still eligible to remain on their parent’s insurance plans, they are nearing the age when they will be managing their own health care, if they are not already.
 
Engaging this generation of “digital natives” will require public health organizations and brands to be up with the latest trends in technology, digital marketing, and content marketing. Throughout the year, we plan on sharing insights and inspiration in these areas. Consider contributing your research and work in this area for us to share. We’d love to hear from you.

As always, thanks for tuning in. We wish you a Happy New Year and New Decade!

Best,
Monique Thornton, MPH
Founder, CEO