Communication and Dissemination Core

Abstract – Communication and Dissemination (C&D) Core – Core C The benefits of new knowledge and innovative research resources that improve understanding of ADRD care and consequences will not reach their full potential without being accessed, understood, and acted upon by appropriate audiences including the lay public, government and other policy-makers, and scientists. The Communications & Dissemination (C&D) Core is the engine of Hopkins’ Economics of Alzheimer’s Disease & Services (HEADS) Center activities to build community and promote awareness of Center research resources, investigators, their expertise, and Center research findings to both internal and external audiences. To meet its goals, the C&D Core has the following three Specific Aims: AIM 1: To sustain and strengthen the HEADS Center communications and dissemination infrastructure. The Core will extend the Center’s reach and impact through our enhanced Center website, newsletter, communication channels, and social media presence - platforms to increase awareness about our Affiliates and their expertise, our research resources, and our findings, among internal and external audiences. AIM 2: To promote and coordinate Center-wide capacity-building activities including the monthly HEADS Center Seminar Series that is organized by the Admin Core, and relevant working groups as gateways to the HEADS Center for investigators within and external to Hopkins, thus facilitating connections to collaborators, training materials, and ADRD and aging research resources. AIM 3: To cultivate relationships with audiences across disciplines, career stages, and institutions – including policy makers and the general public – through Annual Scientific Convenings in partnership with academic groups, professional and advocacy organizations, and policymakers with missions intersecting with the HEADS Center themes The Core is structured to maximize communication and networking among all Center components; with HEADS Center Affiliates and the larger Hopkins community; and with external scientific, policy, advocacy, and service communities. As such, the C&D Core will interface closely with all HEADS Cores. The C&D Core will provide the leadership and coordination to engage diverse audiences – e.g., policy makers, members of the advocacy community, and key organizations committed to improving the lives of persons with ADRD and their families – to ultimately increase the value of research evidence by making it understandable, accessible, and usable in guiding strategic clinical and policy decision-making.