Now in an updated second edition, this much-admired primer for students offers an accessible and reliable introduction to health communication. Integrating the latest thinking and covering a host of fresh topics, this fully revised text features new and enhanced material on risk and crisis communication, health issues of global significance, spirituality and health, disparities in health provision, and political issues in health communication. The diversity of content reflects the span of the subject from media campaigns to sensitive dialogue with terminally ill patients. As before, the text binds communication theory to health communication research, encompassing the major areas and applications of the latter. These include provider-patient interaction, health organizations, social support and health, culture and health, health campaigns, and mass media. For this edition, the authors have added substantially to the content and reworked existing chapters to reflect new methods and results. They maintain their student-centered approach with fresh case studies neatly summarizing fundamental points, a full glossary, and chapter summaries with discussion questions. This engaging work reflects the richness of experience imparted by its authors, and outlines communication strategies for individuals and organizations as they interact with patients. It guides students majoring in public health, communications or any healthcare discipline to a solid understanding of the intricate links between health and the processes of communication. Updated and enhanced online resources, including PowerPoint slides, test bank, and instructors manual, will be available upon publication at www.wiley.com/go/wright.