Washoe County Health District communicator earns national recognition

Ulibarri awarded credential for public health communication.

MARIETTA, GA/RENO, NV -- The National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) recently awarded its prestigious Certified Communicator in Public Health (CCPH) credential to 16 individuals from across the United States, including Washoe County Health District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri.  Ulibarri is one of only 26 health communicators nationwide who have earned the credential since the program was piloted in 2013.

NPHIC’s credentialing program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in public health communication practice.

“What you communicate, how you communicate, who you communicate to, all can make a huge difference in whether people make good or bad decisions about their health,” said Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick.  “Only those with demonstrated expertise and experience communicating a variety of types of public health information can earn the CCPH credential. We are excited and honored that NPHIC has acknowledged Mr. Ulibarri’s expertise.”

Certification is awarded only after a rigorous review of a candidate’s Core Competencies, Expertise, and Working Knowledge in public health. A cumulative grade of 90 or better,  a four-year degree or higher, two years' experience working in a position that requires the skills of a public health communicator or six years' practical experience are just some of the criteria required for the certification.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps to underwrite the credentialing program.

“Communication is woven into the very fabric of public health practice,” said NPHIC President Bill Furney. “Credentialing ensures leaders responsible for protecting the public’s health are able to distinguish those communicators in our field who have achieved a higher level of expertise. Understanding the science and practice of effective communication not only can improve people’s health, it can save their lives, especially in times of crisis.”

The National Public Health Information Coalition is a national organization representing public health information officers in government and voluntary health agencies, health risk communicators, health marketing specialists, health communication researchers and others whose job is to shape, spread or evaluate a public health message. In addition to the CDC, NPHIC is affiliated with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

For the list of individuals who have been designated as a Certified Communicator in Public Health, visit www.nphic.org/career/credentialing/ccph-dev. For more information about NPHIC go to www.nphic.org

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