CDC marketing director to discuss H1N1 virus prevention marketing strategies

September 11, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The director of the National Center for Health Marketing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who has been developing the CDC’s health information messages about the H1N1 virus, will speak Monday at the University of Florida.

Dr. Jay M. Bernhardt’s seminar starts at 2 p.m. in Florida Gymnasium Room 235 as part of the College of Health and Human Performance Department of Health Education and Behavior Fall Seminar Series.

The seminar, “Improving Health through Communication, Marketing and Media,” will discuss health awareness and training through marketing strategies, specifically addressing the current virus’s impact.

Bernhardt has worked with others to craft precautionary, informative messages about the H1N1 virus and to place these within the media.

The CDC is working to prevent the spread of the flu, both H1N1 and seasonal, and to reduce its impact. The outbreak of the H1N1 virus is the first pandemic of the 21st century, and it represents the first time that the federal government has fully employed 21st century communication technology as part of a major outbreak response.
Other seminars will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays throughout the fall semester in Florida Gymnasium Room 235. Topics will include health interventions for adolescents, women’s health, responsible drinking and more.

For more information, please contact Kelli Brown at 352-392-0578, ext. 1228.