CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Leaders’ Guide to Risk Communicationin the Face of Coronavirus and Other
Emerging Public Health Threats
Emerging public health threats,an organization or community. For
Community members can be best preparedsuch as Coronavirus (COVID-19) or
healthcare and community leaders,
other infectious disease outbreaks,
risk communication involves
through timely, accurate, and updated
create many psychological stressors.
sharing information about risks, thepublic health education information, which
Some are known and understood,
significance and meaning of thoseis best delivered using effective,
allowing for preparation andrisks, as well as decisions, actions,training. As these events evolve,
or policies aimed at managing theongoing risk communication.
novel mechanisms of injury andrisks. Effective risk communication
harm increase fear and uncertainty
builds trust and collaboration,and can significantly diminish community wellbeing.
reduces stress, and allows community members to better
Community members can be best prepared throughfocus on performing their roles at home and work. Leaders
timely, accurate, and updated public health education
can enhance the ability of community members to manage
information, which is best delivered using effective, ongoing
the unique psychological stressors of emerging publicrisk communication. Risk communication is a critical tool
health threats through the following:for optimizing the psychological and behavioral response of■ Utilize effective risk communication principles,

including provide information on a regular and timely
basis, share what is known about the threat, avoid
speculation, always be truthful, avoid false promises,
provide updated information when available, andanticipate the need to repeat messages.
■ Provide health education and resources that enablecommunity members to take basic steps to prepare
at home and in the workplace for new and emerging
threats; this will enhance self- and community-efficacy
and reduce fears.
■ Encourage families and community members to work
together on planning and preparing, so they canunderstand risks and share accurate information thatprovides reassurance and reduces uncertainty.
■ Provide a mechanism for people to share concerns
about new and emerging threats and get questionsanswered; the use of an 800-number information line
and online resources, shared broadly and repeatedly,
can reduce distress and empower community members
to engage in self-care behaviors.

■ Deliver education on risk communication as part ofleadership training at all levels. Provide community
leaders with tools and information on the current statusof emerging public health threats and resources to assist
with effective communication.
■ Educate family members on the potential adverse effectsof continuous or ongoing exposure to media coverage ofthe emerging threat, which increases stress, particularly
for children.
■ Anticipate that distress over new threats presents
a particular challenge to individuals who have notpreviously experienced them; targeted messaging andeducation may enhance wellbeing for these individuals.
Additional Resources

Leadership Communication: Anticipating andResponding to Stressful Events. Center for the Study ofTraumatic Stress.
https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/
CSTS_FS_Leadership_Communication_Anticipating_Responding_to_Stressful_Events.pdf