About CERC
CDC’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) program provides trainings, tools, and resources to help health communicators, emergency responders, and leaders of organizations communicate effectively about risks during emergencies. CERC draws from lessons learned during past public health emergencies and research in the fields of public health, psychology, and emergency risk communication.
CERC training
Introduction to CERC
Introduction to CERC is a full-day (8-hour) CERC training that helps participants understand CERC principles and recommended practices and how applying them can help reduce harm during an emergency response. Training includes practice on the skills and techniques presented. When conducted virtually, this course usually takes place over the course of two consecutive days in four-hour sessions.
CERC for Leaders
CERC for Leaders is a half-day (4-hour) training designed to help emergency response leaders who are not communication experts understand the role of CERC in reducing harm during emergencies.
CERC Workshop
A CERC workshop lasts 2–3 hours and provides an overview of the core CERC and plain language principles. Workshops include limited practice on applying the concepts presented.
CERC Presentation
A CDC CERC trainer can talk with your organization for 60 minutes about how CERC can enhance emergency response efforts, protect health, and improve lives.
Who this training is for
For Organizations
Contact the CERC program at [email protected] to learn if CERC training is right for your organization. If the CERC program can meet your needs, we can discuss whether in-person training or virtual training via Zoom is the better option. There is no charge for the training itself. In general, Department of Health and Human Services grant funds cannot be used to pay for these expenses.
For Individuals
The CERC program offers virtual Introduction to CERC trainings via Zoom that are open to public health professionals and emergency responders.
Add yourself to the waitlist
If you would like to be added to the waitlist to be notified of upcoming CERC training opportunities, please reach out to the CERC program by emailing [email protected].
Resources
CERC manual
The CERC manual provides an evidence-based framework and recommended practices for anyone who communicates on behalf of an organization responding to a public health emergency. The manual is the basis for all other CERC materials and trainings.
CERC webinars
The CERC webinars last about one hour each and cover material similar to what is presented in a live CERC training.
CERC Wallet Cards
The printable CERC wallet card summarizes CERC and is a quick reference for communicators during an emergency. The wallet-sized card easily attaches to a lanyard and is available in English, Spanish, and French.
Additional Resources
Review CDC principles, resources, and specific suggestions to help inform inclusive communications.
Make information, products, and services accessible and understandable to intended audiences.
CDC uses a wide array of digital media tools to communicate important public health messages.
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