Engaging Champions in Public Health Policy, Programming, and Practice

SUMMARY: A “champion” is a “charismatic advocate of a belief, practice,
program, policy and/or technology.”1 It is a champion’s unique combination
of skills—passion, persistence, and persuasiveness—that distinguish him
or her from other advocates. A 2007 Cochrane review concluded that the
use of opinion leaders can successfully promote evidence-based practices.2
Engaging influential opinion leaders can be an effective advocacy approach
for advancing social, economic, political, or public health issues.