COVID-19 Pandemic Toolkit: Words to know
This page provides definitions of terms used in this website and in materials and media from the Risk Communications Program's COVID-19 Pandemic Toolkit.
Bidirectional crisis emergency risk communication (CERC)
Bidirectional CERC is a two-way model of communicating used to share important information with people during an emergency and gather questions from the community.
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program is a program that assists refugees in resettling and integrating into new communities.
CDC reports
CDC reports are reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), often providing up-to-date information on disease conditions and affected persons or groups.
Census data
Census data is statistical information that the government collects to understand population demographics.
Communication leaders
Communication leaders are people who are recognized, respected and trusted within the community and can effectively communicate health and other information.
Community-engaged partnerships
Community-engaged partnerships are collaborations between community groups and organizations to address health disparities and improve public health.
Community gardens
Community gardens are gardens managed by the community to provide fresh produce and promote sustainability.
Community groups
Community groups are organizations involved in providing services and support to various populations.
Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
CHNA is a process that hospitals and health departments use to identify and address communities' health needs.
Community leaders
Community leaders are people who hold influential positions within the community and can help spread information.
Community outreach plan
A community outreach plan is a strategy to engage and support the community through various activities and programs.
Construct and content
Construct and content are the structure and substance of the information being communicated.
Crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC)
CERC is a framework used to share important information with people during a big problem, such as a natural disaster, disease outbreak or other emergency.
Factory and migrant work camps
Factory and migrant work camps are places where factory and migrant workers live and work.
Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency is an organization that works directly with the farming community.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
FQHCs are health centers that provide care to underserved populations.
Focus group
Focus groups are small groups of people brought together to talk about a product, idea or problem and share their thoughts and opinions so that researchers can learn what others think and make better decisions.
Food banks and food pantries
Food banks and food pantries are organizations that provide food to individuals and families who need it.
Health literacy
Health literacy is the ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions.
Infographics
Infographics are visual representations of information designed to make complex data easier to understand.
Listening sessions
Listening sessions are meetings where community members can share their thoughts and feedback on specific issues.
Meals-on-wheels
Meals-on-wheels is a program that delivers meals to individuals who are unable to prepare their own food.
Media type
Media type is the format used to present information — for example, videos, infographics or motion graphics.
Message library
A message library is a collection of messages and information that can be accessed by community members.
Message maps
Message maps are tools used to keep language and content simple and ensure the goal of the message is clear.
Podcasts
Podcasts are audio programs that provide information and discussions on various topics.
Question boxes
Question boxes are physical or virtual boxes where community members can submit their questions.
Racial and ethnic groups
Racial and ethnic groups are demographic categories based on race and ethnicity.
Resource hub
A resources hub is a centralized location where community members can access various resources and information.
Safety net clinics
Safety net clinics are clinics that provide healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured populations.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that provides various services, including food and shelter, to those in need.
Senior low-income housing
Senior low-income house is housing for older adults who need help paying for a place to live.
Social service agency
Social service agencies are government groups that provide social services and support to individuals and families. They are also called "human services."
State and local health departments
State and local health departments are government groups that provide health-related information and services at the state and local levels.
Task force
Task forces are groups formed to address specific issues or challenges within the community.
Testing rate
Testing rate refers to the percentage of people in a population who have been tested for a particular disease.
Town hall meetings
Town hall meetings are public meetings where community members can discuss issues and ask questions.
Translation services
Translation services convert written or spoken information from one language to another.
Vaccination rate
Vaccination rate refers to the percentage of people in a population who have received vaccinations for a specific disease.
Warmlines or hotlines
Warmlines or hotlines are phone lines that provide support and information to community members.
Word of mouth
Word of mouth is a way of spreading information by people talking to each other within a community.