Crisis Communications for Public Health
Toolkit: Crisis Communications for Public Health
Step-by-Step Guidance for Planning & Response
This guide was created for the APHA Affiliates (state and regional public health associations) in response to the current (2026) public health landscape. However, the guide may be applicable to other public health nonprofit or governmental agencies. Use this information to help develop a plan and approach that’s right for your association’s unique needs.
Crisis Response Checklist
You know your organization, partners, and the community you collectively serve best. Use this information to help develop a plan and approach that’s right for your association’s unique needs, so that you can succeed in the above.
Before: Prepare Your Team
The goal in any crisis scenario is to be responsive, not reactive, by developing a plan and process. This includes: building your communication team; creating and maintaining a contact sheet and more.
During: Taking Thoughtful and Timely Action
Your team has determined to examine whether a public health crisis warrants a response from your organization. You’ll want to activate your team and assess the threat.
After: Evaluate and Update the Plan
Once the crisis is over, you’re done, right? Wrong! This is an opportunity to improve your plans and update potential scenarios and messaging.
Further Reading
- de Beaumont Foundation: Communicating About Public Health Toolkit
- de Beaumont blog: Be First, Be Right, and Be Credible: Translating Lessons from Crisis Communications
- The CDC Crisis and Emergency Response Communication (CERC) Manual
- Public Health Accreditation Board: Risk Communication Template
- The Public Health Communications Collaborative: Creating a Plan—Crisis Communication for Public Health
- Spitfire Strategies’ Guide to Crisis Prep & Management
- National Council of Nonprofits Communications Guide
- A Resilience Checklist for Public Health Communicators