The field of communications is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in addressing the world's most imperative public health challenges. Effective communication in health campaigns fosters public debate and policy change, in addition to informing and empowering individuals and persuading them to adopt healthier lifestyles<BR><BR>Featuring a full chapter on informatics, Essentials of Public Health Communication is devoted to the competencies in public health communication and informatics recommended by the Association of Schools of Public Health. This text introduces concepts and examples that will prepare students to enter a local health department, community organization, or government agency, and contribute to health communication research, patient counseling, materials design, program management, and media relations<BR><BR>Essentials of Public Health Communication presumes no prior knowledge of the health communication or informatics fields, making it accessible to students from a broad range of disciplines. Concepts are presented in clear, jargon-free language, with terms defined throughout