Resources for Equity and Inclusion in Health Communication

Cultural and linguistic competence in health communication is a must. Public health professionals must ensure that the health information, advice and guidance we provide recognizes and accounts for diversity in culture and language within target audiences. This is true when engaging with communities, cross-sector partners, and fellow professionals.

​Tailoring health messages, information and data to recognize and account for diversity in culture and language within target audiences can improve accessibility; enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of health communication; and increase the likelihood of positive behavior change and health outcomes.

Language is a key part of tailoring health messages, information, and data. Words matter. It’s important for public health professionals to intentionally assess the terms and phrases we use to ensure they avoid bias and stigmatization and promote equity, diversity, inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and respect.

These free tools and resources will help you in your efforts to address audiences inclusively, accurately, and respectfully:

• American Heart Association - Structural Racism and Health Equity Language Guide
• American Psychological Association - APA Inclusive Language Guidelines
• Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania - Health Communication & Equity Lab Publications
  
• Association of American Medical Colleges and American Medical Association - Advancing Health Equity: A Guide To Language, Narrative And Concepts
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Health Equity Considerations for Developing Public Health Communications
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Resources & Style Guides for Framing Health Equity & Avoiding Stigmatizing Language
• Communicate for Health Justice - Racial Diversity in Health Communication is Worthy of Investment
• CommunicateHealth - A Framework for Equity-Centered Health Communication
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Style Guide
• NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - Promoting Environmental and Occupational Public Health Through Language Justice
• NIH National Library of Medicine - Approaches to Centering Equity in Health Communication Research and Practice
  
• NIH Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office - Culturally Competent Gender-Related Communications (C3) Training
• NYC Health Department - Race to Justice Toolkit Language Use Guide
• Oregon Health Science University - OHSU Inclusive Language Guide
• Rural Health Information Hub - Using Inclusive, Non-Stigmatizing Language to Better Communicate about Health Equity​
• Temple Health - Reduce Stigmatizing Language in Healthcare

Last updated: July 10, 2024
First published: May 2, 2022