Our New Research

In the face of widespread health misinformation, our new paper titled "Lights, Facts, and Goals: A Novel Framework to Enhance Community Health Messaging Campaign Design" introduces a strategic approach to improve public health communication. Authored by our medical student James S. Brooks (who also is the author of the extraordinary book Leadership in Modern War), this paper addresses the critical need for effective health messaging frameworks that resonate with community members and encourage positive health behaviors.
 
 The Challenge of Health Misinformation
 The paper begins by highlighting the challenges posed by health misinformation, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation can undermine public health efforts and lead to poor health outcomes. We emphasize the importance of trusted messengers and community-based organizations (CBOs) in disseminating accurate health information.
 
 Introducing the "Lights, Facts, and Goals" Framework
 To combat misinformation and enhance health communication, we propose the "Lights, Facts, and Goals" framework. This framework is designed to be simple, authentic, and transparent, making it an effective tool for planning, implementing, and assessing health messaging campaigns.

•  Lights: This component focuses on the methods of reaching the community, such as through trusted messengers like local leaders or digital platforms like text messages and social media.
• Facts: This involves providing key sourced scientific information that is relevant to the community's health concerns.
•  Goals: This defines clear actions that community members can take to improve their health, based on the communicated facts.

 
 Implementation and Assessment
 The framework emphasizes starting with clear goals, aligning facts to support these goals, and choosing the best methods ("lights") to communicate the information. It also includes strategies for both short-term and long-term assessment of the campaign's impact on community health behaviors and outcomes.
 
 Empowering Communities
 A significant aspect of the "Lights, Facts, and Goals" framework is its focus on empowering communities by involving them in the creation and dissemination of health messages. This approach not only enhances the relevance and impact of the information but also builds trust within the community.
 
 Our Conclusion
 "Lights, Facts, and Goals" offers a structured yet flexible approach to health communication, tailored to meet the specific needs of different communities. By focusing on trusted messengers and clear, actionable information, this framework aims to improve public health outcomes and combat the pervasive issue of health misinformation.
 
We intend that this paper will be a valuable resource for public health officials, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to enhance the effectiveness of health messaging in their communities.

---

Citation: Brooks JS, Claudio L, Araya F, Idris MY, Pierre K, Korin M. Lights, Facts, and Goals: A novel framework to enhance community health messaging campaign design, implementation, and assessment. Health Promotion Practice 2023 https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399231209028