Presentations / Dec 5, 2024
How to Counter Public Health Myths and Elevate Science Now
Presented by Julie Sweetland, Sheri Johnson
For many advocates, it's a hard time to communicate. Skepticism of science is front and center, and many health policy ideas being discussed seem to be rooted in fear, not facts. Those of us who support public health have important, urgent work to do in crafting effective responses.
This conversation explored why purveyors of myths and misrepresentations have gained traction in American culture, and which tested framing strategies can effectively push back.
Topics covered are:
- the public mindsets that leave people vulnerable to misinformation about fluoride, vaccination, food additives, and more;
- communications traps that leave voices for public health more vulnerable to politicized attacks and erosion of trust; and
- the most important framing strategies for dampening disinformation, reducing polarization, rebuilding trust, and elevating science.
Issues: Health
Countries: United States