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All Pandemics are Local: The Importance of a Culture-Centered Approach to Risk and Crisis Communication for Laboratory Research on Zoonotic Diseases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 November 2024

Natasha Rascon ,
Nathan Myers  and
Malynnda Johnson
Natasha Rascon
Affiliation:
Indiana State University, Department of Communication, Terre Haute, IN, US and Indiana State University, Department of Political Science, MPA Program
Nathan Myers*
Affiliation:
Indiana State University, Department of Communication, Terre Haute, IN, US and Indiana State University, Department of Political Science, MPA Program
Malynnda Johnson
Affiliation:
Indiana State University, Department of Communication, Terre Haute, IN, US and Indiana State University, Department of Political Science, MPA Program
*
Corresponding author: Nathan Myers; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Continuing laboratory research into zoonotic diseases is necessary for public health preparedness. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated existing concerns about the risks BSL-4 research facilities can pose to the surrounding community. This study places such concerns in the context of previous research regarding the construction of biosafety labs, as well as policy discussions related to other scientific controversies like gain of function research. Building on this prior knowledge as well as established theories in the field of communication, we propose using a Culture-Centered Approach paired with a Communication Complex approach to facilitate more meaningful and effective communication between researchers and community members, particularly those who tend to be marginalized in such conversations. The commentary concludes by outlining a risk assessment process using the CCA-Communication Complex Approach.

Keywords

biohazard releasecommunicationemergency preparednesslaboratorieszoonoses
Type
Commentary
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 18 , 2024 , e253
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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