JPHMP Direct Talk Podcast: Building Trust in Public Health

This episode of JPHMP Direct Talk explores why trust is the cornerstone of effective public health and how North Carolina is setting an example for strengthening that trust through data-driven strategies and community engagement.

Key Insights:

• Why Trust Matters:
  Trust is the invisible infrastructure that makes public health work. When communities believe in their health systems, they follow guidance during emergencies, adopt preventive measures, and view public health as a reliable partner. Without trust, even well-designed programs can fail.
• Positive Trends in North Carolina:
  Recent statewide survey data shows that 81% of North Carolinians consider the work of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) very or extremely important, up from 77% the previous year. This upward trend signals that awareness and confidence are growing together.
• Familiarity Breeds Confidence:
  The survey highlights a strong link between familiarity and trust. Residents who know NCDHHS well are more likely to rate its performance as excellent and trust its recommendations. This insight drives strategies to increase visibility and engagement at both local and state levels.
• Branding and Visibility:
  The podcast discusses how North Carolina created a unified identity—“We Are North Carolina Public Health”—to reinforce credibility. From logos on community materials to visible branding on everyday items, these efforts make public health more recognizable and relatable.
• Trust in Times of Crisis:
  Trust isn’t abstract; it becomes critical during emergencies. The episode emphasizes how prior investments in trust-building pay off when communities need to act quickly and confidently.

Takeaway:
Building trust is not optional—it’s essential. North Carolina’s experience shows that transparency, familiarity, and consistent branding can transform public perception and strengthen public health systems.

Listen to the Podcast