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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.

HCLI 2026: Early Bird Pricing Ends April 30

Secure your spot today! We are offering a lower registration fee for those who register for the Health Communication Leadership Institute by April 30.

Dr. Marissa Burgermaster, nutrition expert, delivering a lecture

Nutrition Communication for Diabetes Prevention

Physician communication about nutrition plays a vital role in improving patient health. Learn how to maximize these discussions during routine visits.

Frame of lecture video featuring Dr. Sujit Iyer

Finding Meaning in Work

Align personal values and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose in public health work through reflective practice, real-world examples, and strategies that strengthen long-term motivation.

View of both professors, Dr. Jessy Li and Dr. Mike Mackert who teach the AI in Health Communication courses

AI in Health Communication

We've launched a new, free HCTS course with TEPHI on best practices for responsible AI use, including real-world examples that demonstrate how to build trust and maximize impact.

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

Latest News

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.

HCLI 2026: Early Bird Pricing

Secure your spot today! We are offering a lower registration fee for those who register for the Health Communication Leadership Institute by April 30.

Photo of participants from HCLI 2025

Highlights from HCLI 2025

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

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.


 

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.

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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.

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