Public health places messages into the following categories by severity of the public health message and risk:
News Advisory – Announces an event such as an award ceremony, news conference, video opportunity, walk/run, etc. (Then, the news release is generally handed out at the event.)
News Release/Announcement – Announces new data, programs, issues, rankings, reports, awards, changes in leadership, position clarification, etc.
Health Update – Provides an update to an issue or problem already discussed. This may provide advice but doesn’t carry an expectation of action.
Health Advisory – Indicates something of importance to the public’s health but no immediate need to act just proactive/preventive information, advice or eventual need to act.
Health Alert – Information about a specific health issue where immediate action is required to protect health. Alerts would be used cautiously.
