Home

Advancing health through the science and art of communication

Evidence-based health communication

We're the Center for Health Communication (CHC), a joint academic center of the Moody College of Communication and Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. Our interdisciplinary group of scholars and practitioners embraces opportunities to use communication to improve the health of all people through evidence-based health communication research, education, and practice.

Research

Our core team of researchers collects and interprets data across multiple fields, collaborating with a wide range of affiliates and clients to collect and share knowledge.

Education

We work with students at UT Austin, as well as design continuing education opportunities for working professionals in public health and health communication.

Practice

We collaborate with partners in both public and private health industries to build creative and engaging communication campaigns.


 

Spotlight

Currently happening

Two women sitting in a classroom at the 2025 Health Communication Leadership Institute in Austin, TX. One woman has long, curly, brown hair and is wearing glasses and a short-sleeve button down shirt. The other woman has long, black hair and is wearing a striped, long-sleeve button-down shirt.

Highlights from HCLI 2025

The 2025 Health Communication Leadership Institute was filled with fresh energy, bold ideas, and practical strategies to meet the moment.

Young, female dental hygienist cleaning the teeth of a young, female patient in a sweater.

Exploring Dental Hygienists' Insights and Approaches to HPV Vaccination

The CHC co-authored a new article in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics focused on oral health professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV vaccination to help prevent HPV-related oral cancers.

A photo of Dr. Spencer J. Fox, a white man with short, brown hair wearing glasses and a white button-down shirt sitting at a desk and talking to a camera.

How to Think Like A Modeler

We've launched a new HCTS course to help public health professionals better understand and use infectious disease modeling.

A headshot of Dr. Ashley Garling, a white woman in her 40s with long red hair wearing a black top and smiling at the camera.

CHC Welcomes Assistant Director - Programs

Introducing Dr. Ashley Garling, the CHC's new Assistant Director of Programs!

Family Centered Care
New HCTS Course Available
The Family-Centered Care: Enhancing Practices for Families with Young Children

Latest News

The image shows a wooden table with several items placed on it. There are pamphlets titled "What is Naloxone (NARCAN)?" in both English and Spanish, a blue pouch with the logo and text "Texas A&M University Health Science Center," and a packaged nasal spray device. The background features an out-of-focus cityscape with tall buildings.

In Austin, We Keep Each Other Safe

The City of Austin, Travis County, and community partners share milestones in the fight against the opioid overdose epidemic, including a media campaign developed by the CHC.

A photo of a Latina woman with short, curly dark hair wearing blue glasses, a blue and red chevron patterned blouse and smiling at another person who is out of focus. In the bottom corner is the reduced registration cost for the 2025 Health Communication Leadership Institute of $850.

Reduced HCLI Registration Pricing

In light of the funding concerns facing many of our peers in public health and health communication, we are offering a lower registration fee for the 2025 Health Communication Leadership Institute.

A graphic comprised of a bright orange and burnt orange background with white text reading "We're hiring. Join our team! uthealthcomm.org."

Hiring — Assistant Director of Programs

The CHC is hiring an Assistant Director of Programs to provide day-to-day leadership and oversights of the CHC's portfolio of projects and campaigns.


 

Our Work

A male doctor speaking to a male patient.

Texas Prescription Monitoring Program


Mitigating opioid risks through effective use of a statewide electronic database that collects and monitors data about controlled substances dispensed in Texas.

LEARN MORE
A woman holding up her hands in focus and breaking a cigarette in half.

Eliminate Tobacco Use Initiative


Addressing tobacco use across colleges and universities and more effectively contributing to actions that create a tobacco-free culture.

LEARN MORE