This comprehensive textbook provides students with an accessible overview of both the key concepts and practical skills required to work in the field of health education and promotion.

Primarily aligned with the core competencies identified by the National Health Education Commission, Inc. Areas of Responsibility and designed as ideal preparation for those taking the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination, this book offers both the theoretical foundations and practical skills required to fulfill a range of roles. From program planning and evaluation to communication and leadership, each chapter details best practices based on the latest research, as well as case studies to show its application in multiple settings. Each chapter is also supported by discussion questions and activities to enable students to engage further with the content.

This is an essential text for students taking a range of courses in health promotion, education, and planning, as well as those preparing for the CHES examination.

Diana Karczmarczyk is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and holds an MPH degree in Public Health with a focus on community health education and a PhD in Education with a minor in public health and a specialization in international education. She has been teaching public health courses in higher education for almost 20 years on topics including men’s health, women’s health, sexuality and human behavior, health education and promotion, health behavior theory, program planning and evaluation, personal health and wellness, social determinants of health, and community needs assessments and partnerships.

Sara T. Pappa, a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), is an assistant professor and holds a BS in Health Education and Promotion, an MA in Exercise Physiology, and a PhD in Health Education and Promotion. In addition to teaching, she directs a regional falls prevention initiative for older adults. She has extensive experience in managing public health projects at the local, regional, and state levels. Her experience includes implementing and evaluating health promotion programs, conducting community health needs assessments, developing and evaluating community health improvement plans, media outreach, grant writing and administration, coalition development, and strategic planning.