From the Responsibilities and Competencies for a Health Education Specialist, Responsibility VII states: Communicate, Promote, and Advocate for Health, Health Education/Promotion, and the Profession.

Competency 7.2 states: Engage in advocacy for health and health education/promotion.

Sub-Competency 7.2.1- Identify current and emerging issues requiring advocacy (NCHEC, 2017).

Discuss why Sub-Competency 7.2.1 is important in communicating and advocating for health and health education. If needed provide examples to clarify your viewpoints.

Required Reading

Daniel, K. L., Bernhardt, J. M., & Eroglu, D. (2009). Social marketing and health communication: From people to places. American Journal of Public Health, 99(12), 2120-2122. (Use “Academic Search Complete” search engine in the Library Portal)

Holmsen, K. (2017). Social and behavioral change communication challenge (SBCC) . Accessed at https://youtu.be/utW3c7ybv98.

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). (2017). Areas of responsibility for health education specialist 2015. Retrieved from https://www.nchec.org/assets/2251/hespa_competencies.pdf

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council. (2016). Advocacy toolbox. Retrieved from https://orc.okstate.edu/content/advocacy-toolbox

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council. (2016). Writing to government officials or lobbyists. Retrieved from https://orc.okstate.edu/content/writing-government-officials-or-lobbyists

Patane, D. (2011). Social marketing theory. Retrieved August 1, 2016 from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/social-marketing-theory.html

Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). (2017). Health education specialist. Retrieved from http://www.sophe.org/careers/health-education-profession/

Optional Reading

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2015). Prescription drugs. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/prescription.html

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]. (2015). Prescription drug misuse and abuse. Accessed at https://www.samhsa.gov/prescription-drug-misuse-abuse