Description: Credible messengers are trusted neighborhood leaders and experienced community advocates with relevant life experiences who help community members transform their attitudes and behaviors around a public policy issue. Is it enough to have a team member who looks like the community you're serving? To kick off our conference, Baltimore-based advocate DeJuan Patterson will share about his experience as a credible messenger on a COVID-19 communication project and action items for future public health initiatives. Objectives: • Describe the credible messenger approach. • Describe the benefits of using a credible messenger.