Innovative infrastructure in New Jersey: using health education professionals to inform and educate during a crisis.

Federal funding supports the growth and development of public health infrastructure and preparedness. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services used federal funds to increase local public health infrastructure that included the hiring of health educators or risk communicators (HERCs). The HERCs are a diverse group of health and communications professionals trained in emergency communication. They provide crisis information regarding pubic health threats. Over the years, the role and duties of HERCs have expanded from bioterrorism to all-hazards approach and emerging infections public health preparedness, including pandemic influenza. This article describes how HERCs are used in the New Jersey public health infrastructure.