Department of
Cancer Prevention and Control

Core - Advancing Health Communication

The Communicating for Health in Appalachia by Translating Science - Core (CHATS) supports researchers and public health partners in developing, testing, and implementing effective communication strategies to improve health outcomes. We specialize in translating science into messages that drive action across community, clinical, and digital settings.

Our Expertise

  • Strategic Communication & Education
    • Health Education & Communication
    • Health Literacy & Plain Language
    • Audience Segmentation
    • Appalachian Culture
  • Research Translation & Dissemination
    • Dissemination Science
    • Knowledge Translation
    • Product Development
  • Digital Communication & Social Media
    • Social Media Strategy
    • Social Listening
    • Electronic Health Record Messaging
  • Data Communication & Visualization
    • Data Visualization
    • Creative Services

Partnering with CHATS Core

We begin every collaboration with a 60-minute consultation learn more about the unique needs of your project and identify your service needs. The consultation helps us identify the best ways to support you and is highly tailored to your project's goals and desired audiences.

To get started, complete our short intake form [insert link], and a member of our team will follow up to schedule your consultation.

Our Services

  • Coaching and Communication Strategy
  • Development of Knowledge Products
  • Creative Services
  • Student Learning Experiences

Training Offerings

Relationship-Centered Communication for Healthcare Professionals

Length: 4 sessions at 50 minutes each or 1 session at 3-4 hours (customization available)
Description: Through this training, healthcare professionals will learn key relationship-centered communication skills, such as listening, empathy, and compassion, to improve patient encounters, outcomes, and clinician well-being. 
Learning Objectives:

  • Summarize the importance of relationship-centered communication in healthcare
  • Discuss how communication can be used to strengthen patient encounters
  • Apply communication skills to open, build, and close effective patient encounters

Using Dissemination Science to Strengthen the Research to Practice Pipeline

Length: 1 session (30–45 min)
Description: This training introduces dissemination science as a tool to translate research into real-world impact using strategic communication. This session equips researchers and practitioners with tools to plan, package, and strategically share their findings in ways that promote adoption and use, especially within Appalachian and underserved contexts.
Learning Objectives:

  • Define dissemination science and distinguish it from related concepts such as diffusion
  • Identify key components of the dissemination process
  • Explain how dissemination science supports the translation of research findings into real-world practice

Social and Behavioral Change Communication: A Strategic Approach to Health Promotion

Length: 1 session (30–45 min)
Description: This training introduces participants to Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC), a strategic, evidence-informed approach to improving public health.  Using real-world examples and participatory discussion, participants will explore the foundations of SBCC, apply it using the "P Process" framework and gain knowledge to develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies that support behavior change.
Learning Objectives:

  • Define social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) and describe its role in influencing health behaviors
  • Identify the five steps of the P Process and explain how it supports the development of effective SBCC interventions
  • Describe basic approaches for evaluating SBCC efforts using frameworks such as RE-AIM

Understanding Appalachian Culture to Support Health Research and Practice

Length: 1 session (30–45 min)
Description: This training explores the cultural values, history, and communication styles that influence health behaviors and decision-making in Appalachian communities. Participants will gain practical strategies to build trust and improve communication in rural settings to support more effective research and practice.
Learning Objectives:

  • Describe key cultural and historical characteristics of Appalachian communities that influence engagement in health research and care.
  • Identify communication barriers and cultural considerations relevant to working with rural Appalachian populations.
  • Explain how culturally responsive, person-centered communication can build trust and support participation in health-related initiatives.

Creating a Professional Social Profile for Health Professionals

Length: 1 session (30–45 min)
Description: This training equips participants with practical strategies to develop and manage a professional online presence. Step-by-step guidance is offered for transitioning from personal to professional use with actionable items that will support long-term reputation management and visibility in professional networks.
Learning Objectives:

  • Apply strategies to audit and clean personal social media accounts for a professional online presence
  • Develop a polished LinkedIn profile that highlights relevant experience, education, and professional goals
  • Use social media platforms to share research, connect with colleagues, and engage with professional communities online

Stay Informed

Browse recent publications by the CHATS Lab Principal Investigator, Dr. Dannell Boatman, to learn more about cutting-edge research in health communication and cancer prevention

Publications & Research

If you would like to learn more about the CHATS Lab or are interested in our services, please contact:

Abby Starkey, MA
CHATS Lab Manager