The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents roughly 2,800 local health departments (LHDs) across the U.S., supporting communities in protecting and improving public health. With CDC support, NACCHO launched two programs—Implementing Overdose Prevention Strategies at the Local Level (IOPSLL) and Comprehensive Community Approaches to Preventing Substance Use (CCAPS)—to build LHD capacity and advance strategies for preventing overdose, substance use disorder, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Chaski worked with NACCHO to create data-driven communications products to tell stories of innovation and resilience in communities around the U.S.
The communications effort focused on turning complex public health programs into clear, actionable resources that could be used and understood by professionals and community members. We conducted contextual and programmatic background research to inform the development of data-driven, culturally relevant, and visually engaging materials—ranging from web content and infographics to slide decks and summary resources. We worked collaboratively with NACCHO and LHDs around the country to refine these products through ongoing feedback to ensure clarity, accuracy, and usability. Ultimately, when the scope shifted, we adapted seamlessly and delivered two editorial pieces—including a comprehensive publication of more than 60 pages.
With an emphasis on communicating both expertise and empathy, Chaski delivered a suite of products that the Overdose Prevention team at NACCHO, as well as public health professionals in local health districts around the U.S. could use to build support, share outcomes, and drive action on overdose prevention and ACEs mitigation.