HCN Global is expanding its Leadership for a Culture of Health webinar series with a second installment developed in partnership with the Society for Health Communication (SHC), aiming to address systemic barriers in preventive care and maternal health. The new series will convene health communicators, community leaders, health workers, and advocates to explore how structural factors contribute to inequitable outcomes and how communications can help communities overcome these challenges.
The initiative, part of HCN Global’s broader Culture of Health / la Cultura de Salud program, initially focused on social determinants of health affecting Latino and Black communities. Series Two builds on the first installment, which examined structural racism and its health impacts, now turning to access to preventive care and maternal and reproductive health. The sessions will also consider the effects of chronic stress and systemic barriers on mental health and community resilience.
“Culture of Health / la Cultura de Salud has always been about turning awareness into action, and this next peer-to-peer learning series does that. Community leaders and health communicators are on the front lines of these conversations promoting equitable solutions every day. Our job is to make sure they have the tools, the language, and confidence to meet the moment,” said Alison Rodden, CEO of HCN Global.
The first webinar, “Preventive Care & Healthcare Navigation,” is scheduled for August 28, 2026. It will examine how factors such as health coverage, language access, transportation, and immigration-related concerns affect access to preventive care. Participants will explore ways to reduce barriers, improve navigation, and connect people with trusted resources. Registration is available at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nKtYoT6uSYWUbJqX6JrAnQM.
A second session on “Maternal & Reproductive Health” is planned for November 2026, focusing on disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly among Black and Latina mothers and infants, and will examine communications and systems-level solutions. Speakers and registration details will be announced later.
The partnership leverages HCN Global’s experience in culturally grounded health communications and SHC’s national network of professionals. Both organizations will extend the series’ reach through networks like La Red Hispana, Melanin Thriving, and LatinEQUIS, and will provide on-demand recordings after the live sessions.
“Preventive care and maternal health are two of the clearest examples of how structural barriers show up in everyday outcomes — and health communicators have a real role to play in closing those gaps. This partnership with HCN Global gives our members culturally grounded examples and tools they can use, not just another conversation about the problem,” said Dana Chomenko, Executive Director of the Society for Health Communication.
Resources for participants are available on dedicated webpages, including wearelatinequis.com/leadership-for-a-culture-of-health, melaninthriving.com/leadership-for-culture-of-health, and laredhispana.org/liderazgo-para-una-cultura-de-salud for Spanish-language materials.
The webinars are free and open to health communicators, community leaders, health workers, and advocates. This initiative underscores the critical role of strategic communication in addressing health disparities and empowering communities to advocate for change.
