Methods of Dissemination for Community Health Programs

After identifying the dissemination objective and intended audiences, rural communities can share content in various ways. In particular, regular and ongoing contact with program partners and community members within the service area can support message dissemination.

Common methods of dissemination include:

Presenting program results to local community groups and other local stakeholders
Creating and distributing program materials, such as flyers, guides, pamphlets and DVDs
Creating toolkits of training materials and curricula for other communities
Sharing information through social media or on an organization's website
Summarizing findings in progress reports for funders
Disseminating information on an organization's website
Discussing project activities on the local radio or news
Discussing project activities on a podcast, webcast, webinar, informative video, or other audiovisual medium
Publishing information in the local newspaper
Issuing a press release
Hosting health promotion events at health fairs and school functions
Using the 2-1-1 system to publicize available services and resources
Creating data visualizations, maps, or databases to facilitate access to local data
Publishing program or policy briefs
Publishing project findings in national journals and statewide publications
Presenting at national conferences and meetings of professional associations
Submitting information about a rural health project to be included in the Rural Health Models and Innovations section

Key audiences may include:

State associations of county and city health officials
State Offices of Rural Health (SORH)
Hospital associations
Public health associations
Rural health associations
Caregiver groups
Universities
Federal agencies
Community members and groups
Faith-based organizations
State and county Extension offices
Schools
Local government
Policymakers
Insurers
Funders, such as local and national foundations and charitable organizations
Healthcare providers/centers