Strategic Storytelling for Public Health

  • Format: Self-paced
  • Level: Foundational with applied practice
  • Modules: 6
  • Time: 2.5-3 hours
  • Certificate upon completion  (continuing education credits are not provided at this time) 
Strategic storytelling is a clear and intentional way of sharing information so people can understand it and see why it matters. In public health, it helps turn data and research into real-life examples that people can relate to. For example, instead of only sharing statistics about rising diabetes rates, a strategic story might highlight a Kansas parent managing the condition while working and caring for their family — showing the real challenges behind the numbers. By focusing on people and real experiences, it makes complex issues easier to grasp and supports more informed decisions. 
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This course equips you with practical tools to craft strategic stories that build trust, deepen understanding and drive meaningful action. Through research-informed frameworks, real-world examples and hands-on workbook activities, you will learn how strategic storytelling can help you consistently connect with your audience in meaningful, memorable ways. 
Is This Course For You?

Built for public health communicators.

If your work involves sharing information, building trust or moving people to action, this course was designed for you.
  • You communicate about public health work and want to do it more effectively.
  • You face challenges like misinformation, shifting narratives and limited time.
  • You need practical tools you can apply immediately in your day-to-day work.
  • You want a clear, repeatable process for crafting stories that stick.
Is This Course For You?

Built for public health communicators.

If your work involves sharing information, building trust or moving people to action, this course was designed for you.
  • You communicate about public health work and want to do it more effectively.
  • You face challenges like misinformation, shifting narratives and limited time.
  • You need practical tools you can apply immediately in your day-to-day work.
  • You want a clear, repeatable process for crafting stories that stick.

What to Expect

Short, engaging instructional videos.

Real-world public health examples.

Interactive scenario activities with instant feedback.

A step-by-step workbook that builds your story from outline to final draft.

Tools you can reuse with your team.

A clear, replicable process designed for limited time and high workload settings.

Course Modules

Meet the course presenters

Ithar Hassaballa, Ph.D., M.P.H.


Ithar recorded this course while a Senior Analyst and Strategy Team Leader at the Kansas Health Institute.

Shelby C. Rowell, M.P.A.

Analyst, Kansas Health Institute

Rowell conducts research, policy analysis and technical support related to our work on population health, access to care and other topics.

Meet Your Community Manager

Avanthi Chatrathi, M.P.H.

Avanthi is KHI Learning's community manager and your point of contact for questions, feedback, and support. Whether you're navigating a course or just getting started, she's here to help.

Course Authors: Ithar Hassaballa, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Rebecca Andrade M.A.

Acknowledgements

The course authors would like to thank KHI colleagues Stewart Cole, Kevin Kovach, Shelby Rowell, Tatiana Lin, Valentina Blanchard, Karsen DeWeese, Theresa Freed and Kari Bruffett, for their contributions to the design and development of the course. KHI also thanks Jennifer Morgan and Jamin Johnson of Douglas County Health Department Nebraska for sharing subject matter expertise that helped inform the curriculum. Ithar Hassaballa, Ph.D., M.P.H., completed work on this course while a Senior Analyst and Strategy Team Leader with the Kansas Health Institute.

This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government. 

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The Kansas Health Institute admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs and conferences. Please call 785-233-5443 with any questions.
Meet Your Community Manager

Avanthi Chatrathi, M.P.H.

Avanthi is KHI Learning's community manager and your point of contact for questions, feedback, and support. Whether you're navigating a course or just getting started, she's here to help.

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