Core Competency Training This half-day training focuses on the powerful ways in which data can be used to accomplish public health goals. We explore how data can be used in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs. More specifically, we discuss the ways in which data can help to identify, define, measure and investigate a public health problem, find out what people know, think, or do about the problem, and determine what needs to be done to prevent the problem. The importance of data in identifying needs and garnering resources (e.g., grant writing); designing and delivering effective public health programs and messages; and in evaluating a program and its outcomes is also discussed. Ways in which data can be presented so that they are clear, easy to grasp, and persuasive are provided. In addition, social math is introduced as a way to convert data into easy-to-understand information by placing them in a meaningful social context. A group exercise analyzing public health fact sheets provides practice in identifying credible sources of data, using social math, and presenting data clearly and persuasively. |
