Communicating risk in diverse communities

Abstract

Environmental risk communication involves the use of many tools and techniques to form and deliver effective messages. These messages need to inform affected communities about the potential risks and health effects resulting from exposures to environmental contaminants. More importantly, the messages need to reflect the needs, concerns, sensitivities, and knowledge base of the affected community. This risk message is based on profiling, which is simply getting to know your community (demographically, culturally, and historically) and melding this information with scientific knowledge to effectively deliver a message. Three Air Force (AF) case studies are used to discuss how effective risk-communication methods can be utilized in vastly different communities: an on-base residential population, an AF occupational setting, and a remote Alaskan community impacted by historical AF activities. We will discuss the methods used to profile affected communities, determine and deliver messages, and describe the reaction and receptiveness of the community receiving the message.