HCN Global has announced a new partnership with the Society for Health Communication (SHC) to expand its Leadership for a Culture of Health webinar series, focusing on structural barriers to preventive care and maternal health. The second series, set to launch with a webinar on August 28, 2026, aims to equip health communicators, community leaders, and advocates with practical tools to address systemic inequities that affect marginalized communities.
The initiative builds on HCN Global's broader Culture of Health / la Cultura de Salud program, which originally began as a multicultural, bilingual multimedia effort targeting social determinants of health in Latino and Black communities across the United States. The first installment of the leadership series, held earlier this year, focused on recognizing and addressing structural racism's impact on health. This new phase turns to two critical areas where systemic barriers continue to drive inequitable outcomes: access to preventive care and maternal and reproductive health. The series will also examine how chronic stress and systemic barriers affect mental health and community resilience.
Alison Rodden, CEO of HCN Global, emphasized the importance of turning awareness into action. "Community leaders and health communicators are on the front lines of these conversations promoting equitable solutions every day," she said. "Our job is to make sure they have the tools, the language, and confidence to meet the moment."
The first webinar, titled "Preventive Care & Healthcare Navigation," is scheduled for August 28, 2026. It will delve into how health coverage, language access, transportation, and immigration-related concerns impede access to preventive care. Participants will explore ways to reduce barriers, improve navigation, and connect people with trusted resources. Registration is available at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nKtYoT6uSYWUbJqX6JrAnQM.
A second webinar on maternal and reproductive health is planned for November 2026, addressing disparities in outcomes for Black and Latina mothers and infants, and examining communications and systems-level approaches to support healthier outcomes. Speakers and registration details will be announced closer to the session.
The partnership leverages HCN Global's expertise in culturally grounded health communications and SHC's national network of health communication professionals. Dana Chomenko, Executive Director of SHC, noted, "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. This partnership gives our members culturally grounded examples and tools they can use."
Beyond the live sessions, the series will extend its reach through professional and community networks including La Red Hispana, Melanin Thriving, and LatinEQUIS. Both webinars will be recorded and available on demand. Resources for continued learning are hosted on dedicated webpages, including LatinEQUIS, Melanin Thriving, and La Red Hispana.
This initiative underscores the growing recognition that communication is a critical tool in addressing health inequities. By providing actionable strategies, the series aims to empower those on the front lines of community health to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, potentially improving health outcomes in underserved populations.
