The Strategic Prescription for Health Communication That Actually Works

Let's talk strategy. Not the kind where you throw content at the wall and hope something sticks (though we've all been there). I'm talking about the kind of health communication strategy that makes people actually want to read about colonoscopies. Yes, it's possible.

Diagnosing Communication Chaos

Here's the thing: most health communication strategies suffer from a chronic case of "expert curse"—when you know so much about a topic that you forget how to talk to normal humans about it. Symptoms include excessive acronyms, run-on sentences that would make Hemingway weep, and the mistaken belief that fear is the best motivator.

The cure? Strategic thinking that puts the audience first, not the organization's ego.

My Strategic Treatment Plan

Step 1: Audience Autopsy (they're not dead, just misunderstood) I investigate who you're really trying to reach. Spoiler alert: "everyone" is not a target audience—it's a pipe dream.

Step 2: Message Medication Complex health info gets the translation treatment. Think of it as linguistic physical therapy—we're strengthening your content's ability to actually communicate.

Step 3: Channel Checkup Whether it's social media, websites, or old-school brochures, I prescribe the right platform for your message. Because posting TikToks about Medicare probably isn't your winning strategy.

Step 4: Equity Examination Here's where we make sure your strategy doesn't accidentally exclude the people who need your information most. Revolutionary concept, I know.

The Strategic Success Stories

I've worked with everyone from federal agencies trying to make brain research accessible to community nonprofits fighting health disparities. The common thread? They all needed someone who could think strategically about how to communicate, not just what to communicate.

Some highlights from my strategic case files:

• Turned 75 years of neurological research into content people actually wanted to watch

• Made cancer screening conversations less awkward than first dates

• Helped maternal mental health campaigns feel warm instead of clinical

• Transformed complex federal health programs into stories that build trust

The Strategic Prognosis

Good health communication strategy isn't about dumbing things down—it's about smartening things up. It's about understanding that your audience is intelligent but busy, concerned but overwhelmed, and desperately in need of information they can actually use.

Ready to develop a health communication strategy that's more effective than a placebo?

Let's strategize.

Disclaimer: Results may include increased audience engagement, improved health outcomes, and the occasional "aha!" moment when complex topics suddenly make sense. Strategy sessions may be habit-forming.