About
About
Combining health communication practice and creative expertise
The Health Communication Core (HCC)
works with researchers, clinicians, and practitioners across the U.S. to develop digital and print tools and materials for research recruitment, intervention & education, retention, and dissemination.
We combine evidence-based practice with communication expertise to develop strategies and materials that are targeted and cost-effective.
Meet the team
Carol Lowenstein
CORE DIRECTOR
Shana McGough
WRITER / EDITOR
Adam Gerberick
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Khaled Arnaout
WEB DEVELOPER
Majolie Kabemba
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Our background
HCC was founded in 1999 by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who recognized the need for a shared resource to provide Boston’s many medical and public health institutions with cost-effective communication services that were evidence-based and audience-centered.
We are now a shared resource of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, the largest NCI-funded comprehensive cancer center in the world. HCC has been cited by NCI as a “model core for the country” and has received the highest possible ranking for its services.
Our expertise
The Core’s members have extensive experience meeting the informational needs of diverse populations, healthcare professionals, and researchers. In addition, we have in-depth knowledge of health issues and the challenges facing researchers, clinicians, and people working in public health.
HCC operates under the direction of K. Vish Viswanath, PhD, Professor of Health Communication in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and in the McGraw-Patterson Center for Population Sciences at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Specialized services
HCC offers a full spectrum of evidence-based communication services and in-depth knowledge of health issues. For example, we can help you:
HCC’s rates are lower than most design studios, web developers, and marketing agencies. Also, clients from Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center institutions receive a member rate.
Our process
HCC’s materials development process is strategic and streamlined: Thoughtful, up-front planning and an iterative process of frequent client signoffs produce cost-effective products that achieve the desired goals.
Discovery
At the beginning of each project, HCC’s creative team will facilitate a “discovery discussion” with the client team and other stakeholders to deepen our understanding of the project and potential audiences.
Strategy
From the discovery discussion, we identify a project’s goals, audience, key messages, and materials needed, and create a communication strategy. This provides a roadmap for the entire development process.
Content
Following strategy approval, and depending on a project’s specific needs, work usually begins with content—for example, organizing and editing client-provided text for stylistic consistency, to maximize online readability, and to incorporate key messages identified in the communication strategy.
Design / Development
Design and/or web development usually follow after content is finalized and approved. Design work focuses on presenting content and messaging in a visual package most likely to resonate with the project audience. Our websites are usually developed in WordPress, which is a popular, open-source content management system that is easy for clients to independently keep up to date.
