Dr. MarySue Heilemann shares insights for building public trust at 2025 AAN Health Policy Conference

MarySue Heilemann, PhD, RN, FAAN, a professor in the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing, was a featured panelist at the 2025 American Academy of Nursing Health Policy Conference in Washington D.C.

Joined by Eileen Yam, PhD, MPH, Director of Science and Society Research at the Pew Research Center, and moderated by Mary Naylor, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Marian S. Ware Professor in Gerontology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, the panel discussed the public’s trust and mistrust of science, scientists, and health policy makers. Dr. Heilemann focused on Building Trust and Effectively Messaging Evidence through an innovative transmedia storytelling web-based app, “Catalina: Confronting My Emotions/Enfrentando Mis Emociones”. Her team designed this free web-based app to connect symptomatic but untreated Latina women to mental health care. It is currently being tested in a five-year randomized controlled trial funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. 

“We’re using relatable, evidence-based Latina characters, including a nurse therapist character, not just to entertain but to convey pertinent mental health information to boost motivation and confidence through a story,” said Dr. Heilemann. “By integrating health messages that Latinas find compelling into a Hollywood-quality suite of interactive videos, Latinas can engage, explore, and consider their situation. Many take that first, often difficult step toward getting help.”

Since the app provides links to dozens of accessible resources curated by Latinas themselves, Dr. Heilemann’s work demonstrates how interventions that are collaboratively created with experts and members of Latine communities can foster trust. Her team’s approach to developing transmedia storytelling interventions for mental health provides a valuable model for putting the preferences of the community at the center while drawing upon digital innovation. 

“The AAN Health Policy Conference is a powerful space where science, leadership, and nursing intersect and I was honored to contribute to the dialogue about trust and advancing health equity,” said Dr. Heilemann. “Sharing the stage with such thoughtful leaders and highlighting the work we’re doing to support Latina women’s mental health, was both humbling and energizing.”