CIRP Media & Social Media Institute

Effective communication in public health has never been more important. In today’s crowded media climate, it can be challenging to break through to the audience you are trying to reach. Come learn the skills you need to share research, promote programs, and create safer, healthier communities through the media and social media.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is hosting a 3 half-day Media & Social Media Institute for public health professionals on the afternoons of Jan. 22, Jan. 29, and Feb. 5, 2026. 

The workshop presenters have been featured in media outlets around the world and have created local and national outreach campaigns. Their expertise includes behind-the-scenes media planning, on-air interviews, working with reporters, and using social media for public health.

The CIRP Media & Social Media Institute is designed for public health professionals who:

  • Are new to developing or managing media outreach campaign
  • Have some experience developing or managing media outreach plans and granting interviews or training others
  • Manage social media to promote organizations and health behavior
Jan. 22 - Beginner's Guide to Working with the Media

Day One (Jan. 22, 2026, 1-5 p.m. ET): Beginner’s Guide to Working with the Media

  • Identify key factors/traits of intended audience to direct appropriate crafting of messages.
  • Understand elements required to develop an effective outreach plan for media.
  • Develop appropriate techniques to reach targeted audience.
  • Develop strategies for organized efficient communication and media tracking.
  • Develop skills needed to work with media as part of a dissemination plan.
  • Practice concepts learned throughout training.
  • Receive and implement recommendations for future efforts.
Jan. 29 - Mastering Your Messaging and Owning Your Interview

Day Two (Jan. 29, 2026, 1-5 p.m. ET): Mastering Your Message and Owning Your Interview

  • Identify key components of effective public health messaging. Demonstrate an understanding of health literacy concepts.
  • Identify key components of effective press releases and pitch strategies.
  • Recall proper interview protocol and things to know for different types of interviews.
  • Classify type of interviews and identify what makes a successful interview.
  • Recognize interview strategies by watching a mock interview.
  • Practice interview skills by doing a mock interview.
Feb. 5 - Social Media Tools, Tips, and Best Practices for Public Health Professionals

Day Three (Feb. 5, 2026, 1-5 p.m. ET): Social Media Tools, Tips, and Best Practices for Public Health Professionals

  • Identify individual/program goals for using social media; understand how social media is used for public health
  • Understand how social media channels are different; choose appropriate channels for goals
  • Implement administrative strategies to manage costs, staffing, and content
  • Identify sources of content and understand how to develop content for different social media channels, audiences, and purposes
 

Registration

  • Registration is now open - click here to register.
  • The two half-day media training costs $99
  • The one half-day social media training costs $49
  • Register for all three half-days for $148

Logistics & Details

  • The CIRP Media Institute will be held on Zoom from 1-5 p.m. ET on January 22 and 29, 2026. The second day will build on the first. Registration is for both days.

  • The CIRP Social Media Institute will be held on Zoom from 1-5 p.m. ET on February 5, 2026. 

  • The CIRP Media and Social Media Institute are interactive workshops. As such, they will not be recorded. Participation (video and mics) is highly encouraged throughout.

  • Registration includes a one-hour consultation with workshop leaders to be scheduled after the workshop and before May, 2026.

Continuing Education

  • 10 entry-level CHES credits will likely be available.
  • No other CEUs will be available.

Please email us with questions and/or to be notified when new trainings are announced.