Valentine's Day kicks off early cancer detection program

May 11, 2012

The American Cancer Society executed a Valentine's Day campaign to raise awareness of the importance of mammograms among the Hispanic community in the New York area.
 

DC Influencer: Shawn Farley, American College of Radiology

March 01, 2012

Shawn Farley, director of public affairs at the American College of Radiology, talks to Virgil Dickson about beating back budget cuts.
 

Technology helps consumers better understand their health

March 01, 2012

As America's health system becomes increasingly digitized and medical professionals and patients adopt mobile and tablet technology, digital health apps are gaining prominence as tools for monitoring health, educating consumers, and raising awareness of a brand, treatment, or disease.
 

Ophthalmologists sharpen focus on dangers of decorative lenses

March 01, 2012

Non-prescription contact lenses are popular, particularly around Halloween, but selling lenses without a prescription is illegal and can damage the wearer's eyes.
 

Tackling the problem of childhood obesity

February 17, 2012

Controversial ads followed by an ongoing PR campaign helped Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and AOR Jackson Spalding jumpstart conversation about childhood obesity.
 

A panacea for care confusion

February 01, 2012

From simple-to-understand names to targeted messages, healthcare provider networks are focused on clarifying the Affordable Care Act's broad impact.
 

Comms preparedness will maneuver employees through healthcare reform

Susan Thiele, Hill+Knowlton Strategies February 01, 2012

Despite uncertainty about the fate of affordable care, the time is now for companies to prepare for health reform.
 

New surgical product gets a healthy boost from 'Forbes'

February 01, 2012

Cohera Medical is rolling out its first product for plastic surgery, TissuGlu Surgical Adhesive.
 

CMT Awareness Month ramps up fundraising efforts

January 20, 2012

The nonprofit Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association works to raise awareness of the disease, support patients, and find a treatment and a cure.
 

Shuttle provides access to better nutrition, healthcare

January 06, 2012

Molina Healthcare launched its first neighborhood shuttle last May in Fontana, CA, to provide residents of low-income neighborhoods access to healthy food, activities, and healthcare services.
 

Public policy victories are a crucial element in the battle against cancer

Chris Hansen January 01, 2012

Fighting cancer is as much a public policy issue as it is a medical and scientific challenge.
 

Doctors at heart of outreach plans for medical companies

January 01, 2012

Drug and device companies are utilizing a slew of communication strategies to maintain relationships with physicians in an era in which they must publish payments made to doctors.
 

Healthcare Roundtable: Moving forward

December 01, 2011

Healthcare PR professionals joined Rose Gordon at this Revive Public Relations-sponsored roundtable in Nashville, TN, to discuss how they are advancing their communications strategies following reform.
 

Consumer attention prompts hospitals to adjust outreach

December 01, 2011

As consumers take a more active role in their healthcare, hospitals have had to adopt a stronger consumer strategy.
 

App kick-starts support for kids fighting cancer

November 01, 2011

Chamberlain Healthcare PR mounted a campaign to promote the launch of a smartphone app and raise awareness of the nonprofit Kids Kicking Cancer.
 

Habits: Wendy Lund, CEO, GCI Health

November 01, 2011

There is so much opportunity for women today - we need to capitalize on all the things our industry offers and overcome the inequities as we need to.
 

As urban populations grow, so will requirements facing healthcare comms

Jeanine O'Kane, MSLGroup November 01, 2011

The world's population is nearly 7 billion, about half are urban dwellers. In less than 20 years, experts predict that some 5 billion people will live in cities.
 

Legacy supplements its efforts to highlight cigarette-butt dangers

November 01, 2011

Legacy sought to create buzz for a supplemental publication that contained research discussing the harsh environmental effects of cigarette-butt littering.
 

Freihofer connects women runners through social media

October 21, 2011

Rueckert Advertising & Public Relations and blue.0 Public Relations developed an integrated social media plan to drive participation in the 5K Freihofer's Run for Women.
 

Campaign showcases rider stories during AIDS fundraiser

October 07, 2011

San Francisco AIDS Foundation and LA Gay & Lesbian Center jointly produce AIDS/Lifecycle, a seven-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, to raise money and awareness for both organizations.
 

Nurses create blog to remedy confusion on pediatric issues

October 01, 2011

Knowing the Internet can reach parents everywhere, a group of eight nurses created a forum to provide answers to questions frequently posed by parents.
 

Red Cross boosts social media use in times of trouble

October 01, 2011

As Hurricane Irene began to work its way up the East Coast in August, the American Red Cross launched an SMT with CEO Gail McGovern and conducted interviews from the Disaster Operations Center in Washington.
 

Concussion awareness campaign plays it safe

September 30, 2011

Northwestern Medicine used its resources to educate people who are involved with youth sports about head injuries just before concussion legislation passed in Illinois.
 

Reputation revamp boosts funding at health center

September 16, 2011

With the Howard Brown Health Center's reputation in tatters, the center needed to raise $500,000 in 50 days to keep operating.
 

With patents expiring, Big Pharma shifts outreach focus

September 01, 2011

With patents on 20 of the top-selling prescription drugs expiring within 14 months, generic versions will siphon $255 billion in annual sales from pharma companies.
 

Shire doubles the size of its corporate comms department

September 01, 2011

As business grows and globalization becomes key, Shire has ramped up its communications operations.
 

Working for affordable health

August 01, 2011

This year's Band Together NC campaign benefited Alliance Medical Ministry, which provides affordable healthcare to the working uninsured.
 

MilkPEP taps 'Power of 9' to draw attention of teen girls

July 01, 2011

Teenage girls are both the target audience and key drivers of the campaign that aims to increase milk consumption among this hard-to-reach group of consumers.
 

Faulty judgment by Planet Fitness

Matthew McGevna June 01, 2011

Planet Fitness' "Judgment Free Zone" slogan is nothing new.
 

Sexual-health products secure place in mainstream dialogue

June 01, 2011

Reckitt Benckiser recently jumped into the sexual health category with the acquisition of Durex from SSL International and a goal to reenergize the brand.
 

Newsmaker: Ray Jordan, Johnson & Johnson

June 01, 2011

Passion and patience have helped Johnson & Johnson's comms head thrive amid major recalls and the challenges of overseeing 250-plus operating companies.
 

Food Fight: Helpful information vs. consumer overload

June 01, 2011

New stakeholders in the food sector are devising their own nutritional labeling strategies ahead of the FDA.
 

The Long Island Heart Associates pump site with new information

June 01, 2011

To remind Long Islanders about cardiovascular well-being and the importance of a healthy heart, the Long Island Heart Associates launched "Knowledge...keeps your heart beating!"
 

Lowdown: Surprising diagnosis

May 01, 2011

While social media has a growing role in healthcare communications among peer patient communities, a national Capstrat-Public Policy Polling survey finds Americans have reservations about using popular digital tools in certain instances.
 

Life'sDHA unveils a 'beautiful' effort

Matthew McGevna May 01, 2011

The organic DHA supplement company life'sDHA released its National Index of Brain Health.
 

Shire Pharmaceuticals starts "The Great Food Fight"

March 18, 2011

When Philabundance asked Shire Pharmaceuticals for capital support, Shire did more than cut a $25,000 check - it also proposed a regional high school food drive.
 

Newsmaker: Adele Ambrose, CCO, Merck

March 01, 2011

Merck's CCO of three-plus years continues to answer the challenge posed by its merger with Schering-Plough and an ongoing focus on the company's reputation.
 

Healthcare debate fuels public advocacy campaign

February 11, 2011

With the healthcare reform debate at full throttle, the nonprofit Foundation for Health Coverage Education and AOR Haese & Wood Marketing and PR continued to drive its public advocacy campaign.
 

Complexity of healthcare laws spurs rise in education efforts

February 01, 2011

The national focus on healthcare heated up again late last year as Republican policymakers promised to repeal the reform law at the same time the industry moved forward with plans to evolve its business.
 

Pharma companies adjust to better-informed consumers

February 01, 2011

Colgate-Palmolive recently enhanced its "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body" program with a campaign that aims to educate women about the association between heart and gum disease.
 

Org Chart: Regional focus is the key for Kaiser Permanente

February 01, 2011

Since Diane Gage Lofgren started at Kaiser Permanente in summer 2006, her task has been to better integrate the healthcare company's eight regional teams while maintaining their local differences.
 

CEO Q&A: Jonathan Bush, Athenahealth

February 01, 2011

Athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush talks to Jaimy Lee about raising the startup health tech company's profile and how it can grow its customer base
 

Full disclosure

February 01, 2011

Transparency is here to stay in the healthcare sector. As Jaimy Lee discovers, that reality is being seen in industry efforts ranging from communicating on physician payments to becoming thought leaders.
 

Solta Medical turns to video to reach young acne sufferers

February 01, 2011

Solta Medical broadened its aesthetics portfolio last February with Isolaz, a laser treatment for acne gained via acquisition of Aesthera.
 

DC Influencer: Steve Ubl, CEO, AdvaMed

January 01, 2011

Steve Ubl, CEO of AdvaMed, talks to Jaimy Lee about communicating innovation and the need for certainty in the medical technology industry
 

The Recovery Act stimulates new business for PR agencies

January 01, 2011

In the two years since President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, at least $92 million has been awarded to PR firms - and more than two-thirds of funds went to contracts related to health promotion and social marketing.
 

Journalist Q&A: Ivan Oransky, executive editor, Reuters Health

January 01, 2011

Ivan Oransky, executive editor of Reuters Health, speaks with Jaimy Lee about the impact of embargoes, engaging with PR professionals on Twitter, and conflicts of interest.
 

NYC Marathon hook prompts The New York Times to run story on Timex's new trainer

January 01, 2011

Timex, a well-known maker of timepieces and jewelry, turned to us to generate national awareness for its new training instrument, the Ironman Global Trainer Bodylink System with GPS.
 

CMO Q&A: Beth Comstock, General Electric

December 01, 2010

Alexandra Bruell talks to GE's Beth Comstock about the company's healthcare and energy efforts, the Clarient acquisition, and the integrated marketing function
 

Healthcare Roundtable: Careful diagnosis

December 01, 2010

Transparency and the need to educate varied audiences are among the challenges healthcare PR pros face. PRWeek was in Boston for this Waggener Edstrom Worldwide-sponsored roundtable.
 

DC Influencer: Mike Riley, managing editor, Bloomberg Government

December 01, 2010

Mike Riley, managing editor at Bloomberg Government, talks to Jaimy Lee about its January launch and unique view on covering politics
 

South Florida-based hair-transplant surgeon improves his profile with 'Star' story

December 01, 2010

Dr. Larry Shapiro is one of the leading hair-transplant surgeons based in south Florida.
 

Cephalon engages pharmacists to tout safe use of pain medications

November 01, 2010

As a biopharmaceutical company, Cephalon markets opioid medications, such as Provigil and Actiq, which are generally prescribed for pain.
 

Healthcare to go

October 01, 2010

Though criticized for being slow to embrace social media, the healthcare industry is now leading the way with mobile comms.
 

Bausch & Lomb works to realize vision of ending pediatric cataracts

October 01, 2010

Eyecare company Bausch & Lomb partnered with the Lions Clubs International Foundation to launch the Pediatric Cataract Initiative.
 

Numbers add up for Medsphere as it introduces ROI calculator

August 01, 2010

Medsphere was founded in 2002, but only recently identified a need to raise awareness about its open-source electronic health record (EHR) with hospital C-suites, not just health IT and informatics pros.
 

GOP alters strategy with an eye on reclaiming Congress

July 01, 2010

The Republican Party is addressing the upcoming mid-term elections by refining its messaging to focus on core conservative issues that will sway voters, especially independents.
 

Newsmaker: Don Nathan, CCO, UnitedHealth Group

July 01, 2010

From a class-action lawsuit to the ongoing healthcare reform debate, the CCO of UnitedHealth Group continues to face business and reputation challenges.
 

ALA encourages smokers to be quitters

June 04, 2010

The American Lung Association (ALA) hired Porter Novelli (PN) to increase visibility of its "Freedom from Smoking" (FFS) clinics (run by 11 regional organizations and online).
 

Communicators as translators

Mary Lynn Carver June 04, 2010

I read an interesting article in the June issue of Wired talking about "Why Science Needs to Step Up Its PR Game." But how?
 

Groups take on vital issues with solution-based message

June 01, 2010

After the health bill passage in March, the attention of policymakers and communications pros specializing in public affairs has turned to looming financial reform and climate bills.
 

CMO Q&A: David Ovens, Taco Bell

June 01, 2010

David Ovens of Taco Bell talks to Alexandra Bruell about wellness positioning, multicultural marketing, and online efforts for the brand.
 

MAC AIDS Fund proves its impact by enlisting music's leading ladies

June 01, 2010

The MAC AIDS Fund teams up with a celebrity each year to promote the cosmetic brand's signature cause campaign and its Viva Glam line
 

'40 Days of Water' goes online

May 14, 2010

Nonprofit Blood Water Mission (BWM) was founded in 2005 by the band Jars of Clay to help fight the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa.
 

Organizations bring national issues to local communities

May 01, 2010

As companies, trade groups, and organizations address federal policy issues in Washington, they are also communicating with policymakers and the public at the state and local levels.
 

Journalist Q&A: Charles Green, editor, 'National Journal'

May 01, 2010

Charles Green, editor of the National Journal, speaks with Jaimy Lee about how the politics magazine plans to cover the health bill passage, how social networks play into campaign stories, and how the DC community is using the Web
 

'Sleepover' event awakens media to the benefits of Zeo

April 01, 2010

Three sleep-deprived Brown University students founded Zeo (formerly called Axon Labs) in 2004.
 

Firms identify opportunity in pursuit of government work

March 01, 2010

In late January, the Department of Health and Human Services indicated that it planned to hire a firm to help the federal agency raise awareness about issues relating to personal health information and health technology.
 

Gift of Hope targets Hispanics to preach the need for organ donors

March 01, 2010

Gift of Hope, an organ and tissue donor network, worked with the San Jose Group to initiate a campaign that would engage Chicago's Hispanic community.
 

Journalist Q&A: Rita Rubin, medical reporter, 'USA Today'

February 19, 2010

Rita Rubin joined the staff of 'USA Today' in 1998 from 'US News & World Report.' She acts as a general assignment medical reporter for the newspaper with most of her coverage focusing on issues relating to drug safety and women's and reproductive health.
 

Pharma industry finally embraces social media

February 01, 2010

Once hesitant - and restricted - to use social media in their communications plans, the healthcare industry is finally embracing the strategy.
 

AICR's 'fat equals cancer' message makes prominent impression on 'USA Today'

February 01, 2010

Who is your client and what are its media goals?
 

CEO Q&A: Jay Grinney, HealthSouth

February 01, 2010

Jay Grinney of HealthSouth talks to Erica Morris about business after a PR crisis and why local outreach is so important to his company.
 

Muscle Milk makes its rebranding sexy

January 01, 2010

New Year's has champagne and sparkly things, Christmas has mistletoe, and Halloween the proverbial sexy costume.
 

National Peanut Board adds energy to consumer outreach

January 01, 2010

In January 2009, salmonella contamination at a Peanut Corporation of America manufacturing plant, which supplied ingredients to many brands, led to the recall of 3,000-plus products.
 

Celebrity spokesperson leads to success for Essure

December 11, 2009

When reality show celebrity Trista Sutter ("The Bachelorette" and "Dancing with the Stars") publicly announced she would have her tubes tied after her second child's birth in April 2009, Conceptus and AOR Loomis Group approached her with information about Essure, the company's permanent birth control device.
 

Skydivers jump for breast cancer research

December 04, 2009

Jump for the Cause (JFTC) is a nonprofit skydiving organization that raises money for City of Hope's breast cancer research.
 

Healthcare Roundtable: Changes in protocol

, December 01, 2009

From social media to reform to risk, the healthcare industry is facing a number of issues that it must address. Erica Iacono and Jaimy Lee were in Philadelphia for this Airfoil PR-sponsored roundtable.
 

Task force maintains neutral voice in push to establish trauma center

December 01, 2009

The Chester County Trauma Services Task Force wanted to establish a medical trauma center in the county.
 

Lobbying restrictions prompt new tactics for policy debate

December 01, 2009

One of President Barack Obama's first directives upon taking office was to introduce restrictions that sought to limit the influence of lobbyists.
 

AARP's Donnellan ushers in a new era of comms

December 01, 2009

Kevin Donnellan, the AARP's CCO, is working to increase the organization's visibility and communications integration amid a variety of opportunities to influence discussion.
 

Nascar star drives interest for the Aflac Cancer Center

December 01, 2009

What are the company's media goals and how did an effort centered on Nascar driver Carl Edwards and the Aflac Cancer Center play into that messaging?
 

CEO Q&A: Jim Guest, Consumers Union

December 01, 2009

Consumers Union's Jim Guest talks to Chris Daniels about the importance of PR for the consumer advocacy group, particularly around its push for healthcare reform.
 

Journalist Q&A: Max Gomez, medical correspondent, WCBS TV, New York

November 20, 2009

Max Gomez, also known as Dr. Max, covers health, wellness, and medical news for WCBS TV in New York. He spoke to Kimberly Maul about his experiences.
 

Martek gets smart results with DHA awareness campaign

November 20, 2009

Martek Biosciences produces a vegetarian docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which reportedly supports brain health and is added to a number of nutritional products.
 

ACS helps fill slots at Chicago marathon

November 06, 2009

The 2009 Chicago Marathon, which occurred on October 11, sold all of its runner slots by the end of April, but various charity organizations had additional slots available.
 

Cause Survey 2009: Committed to the cause

November 01, 2009

While consumers struggle to maintain financial contributions to charities, corporate efforts are trying to fill the gap, finds the 2009 PRWeek/Barkley PR Cause Survey.
 

DC Influencer: Q&A with Leigh Ann Pusey, CEO, American Insurance Association

November 01, 2009

Leigh Ann Pusey, president and CEO of the American Insurance Association, discusses financial and regulatory reform with Jaimy Lee.
 

Nasonex encourages allergy sufferers to play a new game

November 01, 2009

Schering-Plough used an online game to promote its Nasonex allergy medication, reminding consumers that allergies happen year-round.
 

Organizations reinforce their value with direct messaging

November 01, 2009

When President Barack Obama spoke to a joint session of Congress in early September about healthcare reform, news reports applauded his delivery and his message.
 

Downturn spurs businesses to shed light on the positive

November 01, 2009

Given the damage that corporate reputations have suffered over the course of the past year, many companies have recognized the need to engage with consumers, establish competitive dominance, or simply shed some positive light on their organizations.
 

Hasbro travels a popular road to mark Candy Land's 60th birthday

November 01, 2009

To celebrate Candy Land's 60th anniversary, Hasbro turned San Francisco's famed Lombard Street into a huge version of the board game.
 

Journalist Q&A: Ray Suarez, 'The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer'

Frank Washkuch November 01, 2009

Ray Suarez has spent three-plus decades in journalism, with stints at NPR and CNN prior to 'The NewsHour.'
 

Journalist Q&A: Andrea Mitchell, NBC News

October 01, 2009

Andrea Mitchell is a household name for political and national affairs news junkies. As NBC News' Washington-based chief foreign affairs correspondent, she appears on programs including Today, Hardball, Morning Joe, and the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. She's also the host of the daily Andrea Mitchell Reports on MSNBC.
 

Third-party relationships are sending a stronger message

October 01, 2009

PhRMA, the trade group that represents the pharmaceutical industry, has long used partnerships with third-party groups to reach a broader audience and enhance credibility.
 

CEO Q&A: Chuck Connor, American Lung Association

October 01, 2009

Chuck Connor of the American Lung Association speaks to Tonya Garcia about competition among nonprofits and the recession's impact
 

Journalist Q&A: Michael Waldholz, Bloomberg News

September 18, 2009

Michael Waldholz, a veteran journalist who was part of the team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 1997 for AIDS reporting, joined Bloomberg News in 2005 after working for The Wall Street Journal for 25 years.
 

Healthcare companies boost reform-related comms

September 01, 2009

With healthcare reform dominating headlines in Washington, companies from various parts of the industry are employing different tactics to solidify their position in the debate.
 

'Time' proves to be right for ClearCount's complex story

September 01, 2009

Who is your client? What are its media goals?
 

Effective consumer outreach proves to be fun and games

September 01, 2009

Online games targeting a more casual participant are attracting a wider audience, including more women, due in part to ease of play, the free or low cost, and overall popularity of video games.