Three dozen journalists gathered on Sept. 11, 2007, at the San Francisco Chronicle for a workshop on multicultural health issues in the Bay Area. The workshop, while specifically looking at issues on the Bay Area, provided a number of ideas for covering diverse communities around the country. We offer audio of the sessions, as well as links to a wide range of resources.
Covering disparities in health and health care is not the same as reporting the latest drug trial or diet advice. When race, culture, language, immigration and other hot button issues are mixed in, how do you separate science from politics, facts from beliefs? How do you find community and expert sources across cultural divides? How do you walk the line through minefields of labels and connotations to find the right words to tell your story?
Culture, history, money and biology intertwine to influence health and health care. This workshop builds on AHCJ's recently published multicultural health resource guide, which was supported by The California Endowment, to help you sharpen your skills, learn practical tips, and avoid lurking traps in this important, yet underreported area. Experienced journalists share their hard-earned lessons. Health experts flag common errors and misconceptions, while also providing an overview of what researchers really know.
