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Words Matter: 5 Communication Strategies Public Health Leaders Need to Build Community Trust

  • Writer: Ariana Midgette
    Ariana Midgette
  • 17 hours ago
  • 5 min read

Transforming Health Outcomes With Language Everyone Can Understand


A group of professionals sitting in a circle
A group of professionals sitting in a circle.

Imagine you go to the doctor and get a prescription or a health handout that you can’t understand then being blamed for not following instructions and being labelled as “non-compliant” in your chart. For millions of Americans, this is reality. 


Health Literacy - the ability to find, understand, and use health information - is an important element of equitable care.

Health literacy is more than just simply reading words - it includes numeracy skills such as understanding how much medicine to take, interpreting blood pressure or blood sugar readings, and making sense of percentages on nutrition labels. 

Health literacy also involves practical skills such as understanding medicine and food labels to use medications safely, completing insurance forms, finding in network providers, and scheduling appointments.


Effective communication is another key aspect, requiring patients to clearly explain symptoms, ask questions, and understand provider instructions. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “nearly 9 out of 10 U.S. adults struggle to understand and use personal and public health information” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). People with low health literacy are more likely to misinterpret crucial health information or struggle to find their way through the complicated health care system. (Healthy People 2030).   


The good news? Public Health professionals have tools to change this by prioritizing clear, inclusive communication- an essential pathway to health equity. 


In this article — aligned with the Advancing Health Equity through Health Literacy and Inclusive Communication training offered through the Public Health Impact Academy — we present five strategies that make health information accessible, actionable, and equitable.


1. Use Plain Language 

Health information is often written above the reading level of many adults. Complex wording like “hypertension” or "cardiovascular morbidity”  can confuse people and create barriers that prevent people with lower education levels and non-native English speakers from understanding the information. 


Plain language is not simply “oversimplifying” health information or “dumbing” it down. It is about communication that enables understanding and action.

Research has shown that improved communication is associated with clearer understanding of medical guidance, increased patient trust in healthcare professionals, and better adherence to prescribed treatments. In chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes—where medication nonadherence and avoidable complications are still widespread—these communication-based approaches can lead to greater patient involvement in treatment plans and better clinical outcomes. (The Review of Diabetic Studies, 2024)


Tips to Try:

  • Use shorter sentences and everyday words. 

  • Explain medical terms instead of assuming people know them. 

  • Aim for 6th-8th grade reading level.

  • Test readability using online tools. 

  • Use active voice. 


When health information is clear and easy for everyone to understand, it helps reduce the gap between those who have a strong knowledge about health and those who may not have had the same access or education. 


2. Make Materials Accessible - Think about Everyone

Communication isn't just about text, it's also how you present them. Some people have trouble reading, speak another language, have visual impairments, and some don’t have fast internet. Format, layout, and delivery channels significantly influence how people access information. ​


Tips to try:

  • Use big, clear fonts and lots of white space.

  • Offer materials in multiple languages. 

  • Make sure digital content works with screen readers. 

  • Give options for print and online versions. 

  • Use headers, bullets, and white space to improve readability. 


Design choices matter. Designing for accessibility makes information available to everyone, not just the people who already have the easiest access.


3. Include Culture and Community 

What works for one person’s health might not work for another. A handout about “healthy foods” that lists foods people in your community don’t eat can unintentionally exclude the people it aims to help. Messages need to fit the culture and experiences of the people you want to help. 


The CDC explains that an organization can improve its health literacy and communicate more effectively when staff understand cultural differences and help prevent misunderstandings.


Tips to try:

  • Work with community members before writing materials. 

  • Include pictures and examples that match the community.

  • Respect cultural practices and preferences. 


When people see themselves in the materials, they are most likely to trust the message and follow health advice.


4. Correct Misinformation With Respect and Evidence 

Health information can spread quickly, especially with social and digital media. Communities that have experienced discrimination, neglect, or medical experimentation may be understandably cautious about health information and recommendations. 


Telling someone they are wrong without listening can make them distrustful. Instead of ignoring people’s concerns, listening with empathy and giving clear and honest information helps build trust and reduces the effects of misinformation. The goal is to help people make an informed decision about their health- not to dictate how they should manage their health. 

Tips to Try: 

  • Listen first and understand their concerns. 

  • Explain the facts clearly and simply.

  • Admit if something is uncertain - honesty builds trust


Respectful, clear communication helps people make safe and informed decisions. 


5. Turn Equity into Action

Health equity isn’t just an idea — it’s something you can practice every day. One step towards addressing health equity is to ensure health education materials are culturally tailored, translated into native languages, accessible, and evidence-based. 


For Professionals:

  • Check all materials for readability and clarity.

  • Ask for feedback from different community groups.

  • Track who uses your resources and who doesn’t.

  • Train staff in clear, inclusive communication.

  • Use trusted sources like the CDC Clear Communication Index (CDC, 2021)


For Community Members:

  • Ask your healthcare provider to explain things in simple words.

  • Request materials in your preferred language.

  • Check your source before sharing information with friends and family.


Small steps can make a big difference in reducing health disparities. Start communicating clearly today.  


Health literacy is a social factor that affects health outcomes. When people can’t understand health information, they can’t make good choices. Public health workers and community members can each make small improvements to communication. Start by simplifying one handout, try it out, and ask others for feedback.


Clear communication is equity in action.


The Public Health Impact Academy (PHIA) provides dynamic evidenced-based training designed to equip public health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes in all communities.https://www.beaconpublichealth.com/phia.


Check out our educational resources on our website at www.beaconpublichealth.com to help educate and inspire positive behavior change. Let’s continue the conversation on social media. 


Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn: @BeaconPublicHealth 


About the author: Ariana Midgette, a recent graduate from Morgan State University with a degree in Health Education with a concentration in Health Administration.

She is passionate about enhancing healthcare access and utilizing effective leadership to improve service delivery for diverse communities. With a solid foundation in healthcare systems and management practices, Ariana is poised to make a meaningful impact in the field.


References: 


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