MISSION

The mission of the HCU is to engage communities, partners and faculty across the state in developing effective health communications tools, strategies and campaigns based on theory, best practices, and research in order to increase healthy behaviors. These tools can be education media campaigns, print and audio materials, interactive computer programs, training manuals/curricula tailored to specific audiences, and others. The Unit also provides formative research services, such as coordinating and conducting focus groups.

The Health Communications Unit is organized as both a research support unit and as a service unit. Unit staff has expertise in developing health communication interventions and strategies for communities and agencies across Alabama and beyond, an expertise utilized by faculty and programs across the University. Continuing support from the University-wide Interdisciplinary Research Center Program, which funds areas such as programming and program/management staff, has further enhanced the capacity of the HCU. Projects have included interventions focused on patients with low literacy and disease self-management.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The HCU is committed to the CSCH research agenda and continues to focus on community-based health promotion activities with the goal of increasing healthy behaviors in communities both within and outside of Alabama. It conducts formative research for projects, including data/literature searches and focus groups. The Unit is responsible for developing and disseminating materials developed for Center's research projects and providing appropriate communications strategies and products for community-based health promotion projects.

SERVICES AND FEES

The HCU is a centralized University resource for provision of health communication expertise. The Unit offers these services to the CSCH and other constituencies across UAB, the state of Alabama and beyond. While HCU services are often included in funding proposals as percent effort or "consultant costs," HCU services also are available on a fee-for-service basis.