Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Background/Purpose: Public opinion polling can be a valuable tool for advancing public health policy initiatives, yet many advocates and organizations are uncertain about when and how to effectively incorporate polling into campaign strategy. This session will explore how polling and message research can support policy change efforts across a range of public health issues, including tobacco prevention, environmental justice, rural healthcare access and community health initiatives in Colorado.

Methods: Presenters will share case studies and practical examples from Colorado-based public health and policy campaigns that used polling to guide strategy, develop persuasive messaging, generate earned media, and educate policymakers. The session will feature insights from a leading Colorado survey research firm with experience conducting public opinion research on statewide and local issues, alongside experienced campaign leaders who have successfully advanced local and statewide policy initiatives.

Results: Case studies will demonstrate how polling helped advocates better understand community attitudes, identify effective messages, strengthen coalition alignment, counter opposition narratives, and build public and policymaker support for policy change. Examples will highlight both publicly released polling and internal strategic research used to inform campaign decision-making.

Implications: Participants will leave with lessons learned for integrating polling into public health advocacy efforts and strategies for using polling to provide cost-effective guidance on high-impact messages and how to deploy them.The session will emphasize how research-informed strategies can strengthen partnerships, improve communications, support health equity goals, and build more effective campaigns that advance healthier communities across Colorado.