Health Alert Network Message Format
Below is Performance Goal 12, Measure 16 from a previous Preparedness Grant period, which lists the basic elements needed to send a HAN message. By reviewing previously sent HAN messages in the HAN Message Archive, you will notice that all thirteen areas have been addressed in each message.
Performance Goal 12: Health Alert Messages for Clinicians and Emergency Responders
Measure 16: Written and/or electronic text health alert messages distributed by the Public Health Agency:
- Include a bold, succinct subject line.
- Include a unique identifier for each update.
- Include date and time of issue.
- Identify level of message urgency.
- Specify the audience to whom the message is directed.
- Include name, title, and contact information for the person(s) responsible for issuing the message.
- Specify actions steps.
- Include a message to share the information with targeted audience.
- Provide a point of contact or website for more information.
- Include the Public Health agency’s emergency contact information in a prominent location.
- If appropriate, provide an estimated time for a follow-up or update (to set appropriate expectations).
- Identify page numbers on each page and total pages (1 of 3 etc.)
- Messages are approved for content/format and authorized for dissemination according to Agency protocol.
