The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56639

Katherine J. Hall, MC, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Box 354695, Seattle, WA 98195, 206-685-6737, kjhall@u.washington.edu

Universities occupy a key role in occupational health and safety education and training. Though our objectivity and research expertise make us an ideal channel for information dissemination, universities have been slow to integrate health information into their Web sites. The University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences has redesigned its Web site to broaden its scope, reach, and appeal, and to position itself as an information resource for the Pacific Northwest. Our first-generation Web site was developed for graduate student recruitment. Prospective students remain a target audience as the site evolves, but we have broadened our outreach to employers, unions, elementary and secondary teachers; policy makers; and academic communities in the US and beyond. Online training is done through our OSHA-approved continuing education institute. By putting research papers online, we have provided worldwide access to our publications. We have emphasized outreach. For example, our particulate matter research center's site features current air quality information, and our Field Research and Consultation Group's site provides information on job hazards such as noise, silica exposure, and ergonomics. We design for intended audiences. For example, a game that teaches toxicology concepts to high school students would be more colorful than a site designed for researchers.

Learning Objectives:

• - Understand the role of the university in public health communication
• - Articulate the procedure for doing an audience analysis for a Web site
• - List five elements of an effective public health Web site

Keywords: Communication, Environmental Health

Related Web page: depts.washington.edu/envhlth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.