Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH), located in the northeast suburbs of Metro Atlanta, provides public health services to nearly 900,000 within its dual-county district. Both of these suburban counties are within 20 miles of the state's capitol in Atlanta, Georgia. Cobb County spans 340 square miles and includes the municipalities of Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, and Smyrna.
Over the years, our population has steadily increased, as a result of the relocation of the Braves Stadium to Cobb County, and several other factors. In order to remain responsive to the changing and emerging health needs of our residents, CDPH has developed innovative approaches to health promotion and education in our community. This submission focuses on one aspect of a robust communications strategy developed in partnership with CobbTV23, Cobb County's government access channel.
Goal: To implement health promotion and education programming in partnership with CobbTV23 which fosters an increased understanding of the role of public health.
Objective: To produce three, 30-minute, Spotlight on Public Health broadcast segments per year in partnership with CobbTV23, Cobb County's government access channel to highlight the work of Cobb & Douglas Public Health.
According to the old adage, public health is working when it is invisible”; yet, as highlighted in this practice submission, CDPH continues to demonstrate how public health is working in a very visible way. This practice submission highlight's CDPH's Spotlight on Public Health program which broadcasts health promotion and educational materials on a variety of topics in partnership with Cobb County government's public broadcasting channel.
Since early 2016, CDPH has implemented Spotlight on Public Health, which is featured on the Cobb County government's daily television lineup. Beyond public television, the broadcasts are disseminated through social media platforms, including the Cobb County YouTube channel and through the County's On Demand" feature. CDPH also makes it available on the agency website, http://www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org/, and on the CDPH Vimeo channel, https://vimeo.com/cdphga.
Three-times per year, CDPH's Communication's Office selects a public health topic or program relevant to monthly health observances, recent health issues/topics facing residents, or ideas suggested from stakeholders (general public, Board of Health members, and/or staff). A script is developed with input from key subject matter experts to produce 30-minute segments which are filmed by CobbTV23. The show typically includes interviews with subject matter experts including the health department director.
Since early 2016, CDPH has produced eight episodes on a wide-range of health topics:
- Episode 1, April 2016- In this episode, the Children 1st Program Manager talks to us about the importance of the Safe Sleep issue and the WIC Program Manager gives us an overview of the program.
- Episode 2, June 2016- In this episode, the Director of Epidemiology & Health Assessment talks to us about the Zika Virus and the Director of Environmental Health, along with an Environmental Health Manager for Cobb County, discuss ways to control mosquitoes around your home.
- Episode 3, October 2016- The Immunizations Director for the district discusses immunizations, public health back to school events, and travel vaccinations that are available at CDPH.
- Episode 4, February 2017- The Children and Youth with Special Needs Director and a nurse provide information on Baby's Can't Wait Program, an early intervention program for children ages birth to 3 years old who may be at risk for developmental disabilities. The episode also includes a testimonial from one local family.
- Episode 5, June 2017- CDPH's Safe Kids Program Director shares pool, bicycle and pedestrian safety tips, as well as hot car safety information. Later in the show, a Planning & Policy Development Manager with CDPH provides sun safety and summer exercise tips.
- Episode 6, December 2017- The Emergency Preparedness & Response Training & Exercise Coordinator highlights winter and severe weather preparedness tips, including what to include in an emergency supply kit for families and pets. During the second half of the show, an Environmental Health County Manager provides food safety tips before during and after potential power outages.
- Episode 7, May 2018- The WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator and the WIC Breastfeeding Customer Services Specialist provide information on WIC program enrollment and highlight the breastfeeding services offered.
??????? - Episode 8, September 2018- In this episode the new District Health Director is introduced and highlights the role of public health and leadership. A Public Health Educator also discusses asthma awareness and management during the second half of the show.
The program continues to highlight the important role of public health and provides health educational information for viewers throughout the community. In order to measure the effectiveness of the program and its reach, CDPH has developed a series of evaluation criteria (metrics) which also correspond to CDPH's strategic plan (see evaluation and sustainability sections).