HCN Global Partners with Society for Health Communication to Expand Leadership for a Culture of Health Series

HCN Global is expanding its Leadership for a Culture of Health webinar series through a new partnership with the Society for Health Communication (SHC), aiming to equip health communicators and community leaders with practical strategies to tackle systemic barriers in preventive care and maternal health.

The second series, developed in collaboration with SHC, will bring together health communicators, community leaders, health workers, and advocates to explore how structural barriers—such as health coverage, language access, transportation, and immigration-related concerns—affect access to preventive care and maternal health outcomes. The initiative is part of HCN Global's broader Culture of Health / la Cultura de Salud program, which began as a multicultural, bilingual multimedia effort addressing social determinants of health in Latino and Black communities.

Series Two builds on the first installment, launched earlier this year to address structural racism and its health impacts. The new phase focuses on two critical areas: preventive care and maternal and reproductive health, while also examining the effects of chronic stress 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,” said Alison Rodden, CEO of HCN Global. “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.”

The series includes two free webinars hosted by SHC. The first, scheduled for August 28, 2026, focuses on preventive care and healthcare navigation, examining barriers like coverage, language, and transportation. Participants will learn ways to reduce these barriers and connect people with trusted resources. Registration is available at Zoom webinar registration.

The second webinar, slated for November 2026, will address maternal and reproductive health, with a focus on disparities affecting Black and Latina mothers and infants. Speakers and registration details will be announced closer to the date.

The partnership leverages HCN Global's experience in culturally grounded health communications and SHC's national network of professionals. Through this collaboration, the series will extend its reach across networks like La Red Hispana, Melanin Thriving, and LatinEQUIS, providing participants with resources for continued learning.

“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,” said Dana Chomenko, Executive Director of SHC. “This partnership with HCN Global gives our members culturally grounded examples and tools they can use, not just another conversation about the problem.”

HCN Global has dedicated webpages to support ongoing work, including resources at LatinEQUIS, Melanin Thriving, and Spanish-language materials at La Red Hispana. Both webinars will be recorded and available on demand.