At the peak of the H1N1 flu pandemic, fear seemed to be spreading faster than the virus itself as the news media and government seemingly worked in concert, preparing the public for the worst if precautions are not taken ASAP.

• But when is information too much information? 

• Can reporting create fear mongering?

• How was information on the pandemic used and for what purpose?

On March 19, 2010, Concordia University’s Departments of Journalism and Exercise Science host the second Annual Health Communication Workshop at the Loyola Campus. This year’s topic: 

"Politics of Health Information: Reflections on a Pandemic."

The free, day-long workshop includes presentations from experts from the media and the government talking about their roles during H1N1 flu pandemic. A World Café follows, asking participants to deliberate on media coverage of the H1N1 pandemic in Canada. It is hoped that this brainstorming session with members of the public, health policymakers, the news media, the scientific community results in ways to help improve the flow, substance, and accuracy of communication during a potentially dangerous health crisis.

Space is limited, registration is strongly recommended.

Funding: We gratefully acknowledge a VPRGS Aid to Research Related Events (ARRE) grant from Concordia University that made this event possible.