CHATS Core
Providing specialized health communication services that translate research into practical solutions for real-world application
Expertise
Strategic Communication & Education
- Health Education & Communication
- Designing effective strategies to inform and engage target audiences
- Health Literacy & Plain Language
- Simplifying complex information to increase accessibility and understanding
- Audience Segmentation
- Identifying and tailoring messages to distinct population groups
- Appalachian Culture
- Culturally grounded communication strategies that resonate with rural communities
Research Translation & Dissemination
- Dissemination Science
- Strategic planning to move research findings into real-world practice
- Knowledge Translation
- Bridging research and action through practical, audience-relevant outputs
- Product Development
- Creating toolkits, handouts, campaigns, and communication tools that support behavior change
Digital Communication & Social Media
- Social Media Strategy
- Optimizing the use of social media platforms to reach, engage, and inform priority audiences through tailored, evidence-based messaging
- Social Listening
- Monitoring online conversations and trends to inform message development, understand public sentiment, and guide timely response strategies
- Electronic Health Record Messaging
- Designing targeted, evidence-based messages for integration into electronic health records to support patient engagement and promote behavior change at the point of care
Data Communication & Visualization
- Data Visualization
- Presenting data clearly and effectively to support storytelling, decision-making, and public understanding
- Creative Services
- Designing visually engaging materials such as infographics, reports, presentations, and digital content that enhance message clarity, increase engagement, and are tailored to audience needs and literacy levels
Initial Consultation
Partnering with the CHATS Core begins with an initial consultation to learn more about the unique needs of your project and identify your service needs. This process is highly tailored to your project's goals and audiences. Complete this form and we will reach out to schedule this 60-minute session. [Link to form – basics plus any screening questions]Services
Services
Your unique service needs are determined through the initial consultation meeting and can include:
Coaching and Communication Strategy
How do you make your work more impactful? By understanding your audience’s needs and how best to reach them. We combine deep insights into rural populations with expertise in applied communication, knowledge translation, and dissemination science along with integrating new tools like social listening to better understand community conversations that can inform a tailored, effective outreach plan.
Development of Knowledge Products
Need support beyond a plan? We help turn your research into actionable knowledge products, like toolkits, that move your work off the bookshelf and into the hands of your intended audience to drive real-world impact.
Creative Services
Need help creating something engaging to reach your audience? We offer video, audio, and graphic design services that bring your research to life and make it more accessible and meaningful for your intended audience.
Student Learning Experiences
The CHATS Lab provides WVU undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on learning experiences that bridge research and real-world practice in healthcare communication with a focus on rural populations. Students become part of the dynamic, community-centered Department of Cancer Prevention and Control.
If you would like to learn more about the lab or need services, please reach out to the lab manager Abby Starkey
See some examples of recent work.