Hallie Fuchs

Every month, GW Health PR publishes articles to drive awareness of the key issues and gaps in healthcare communications. December's feature: The Intersection of Politics and Health Equity: A Marketing Perspective The recent election results have sparked deep concerns among many Black Americans, particularly regarding how political shifts could impact health equity and access to essential services. For communities that have fought tirelessly to secure basic rights and quality healthcare, these fears are not unfounded—they are rooted in historical precedents and the current political climate. Many worry that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts will be deprioritized or even eliminated in the wake of political changes. These initiatives, which have been instrumental in addressing systemic inequities in healthcare and beyond, risk being sidelined, leaving several communities vulnerable. For healthcare marketers, this raises critical questions about how to navigate this new landscape while continuing to prioritize cultural resonance and equity in communications. Fear of Backsliding: A Crisis for Health Equity People are voicing fears that access to quality healthcare—a challenge even in the best of times—will become even more restricted. These concerns are particularly acute for individuals and families who rely on government-supported programs to bridge gaps in healthcare access, as potential cuts to these programs could exacerbate disparities. In a political environment that threatens to erode these safety nets, the risk of deepening inequities becomes even more pressing. One area of acute concern is maternal and fetal health. Black women already face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality, a disparity driven by systemic racism, unequal access to care, and implicit bias within the healthcare system. The possibility of losing programs designed to address these issues only deepens anxieties within the community. 🚀Please visit https://gwhealthpr.com to read more. Come back at the end of every month. #HealthcarePR #HealthEquity #CulturallyResonant #BlackCommunityHealth #PharmaCommunications #HealthForAll #GWHealthPR

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As RFK Jr. takes the reins at HHS, 2025 could mark a pivotal year for health communications. In an era where public health narratives are shaped often by platforms like TikTok rather than by the CDC, the need for science-backed education has never been greater. Patients are increasingly using social media to self-educate, which makes clear, compelling, and evidence-driven storytelling critical. And yes, some of this will be from corporations/brands but at the end of the day we will have to lean on trusted voices. I see certified physicians and patient-led communities playing hero roles in bridging the gap between credible data and accessible communication. Companies like MedFluencers and Savvy Cooperative are already leading the charge, proving that health literacy and authenticity can coexist on these platforms. With rare disease communities already demonstrating how empowered, knowledgeable patients can drive better outcomes, could this become the evolving model for all healthcare communications?

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Want to get reporters' attention at the next health tech conference? Check out the results of Innsena's survey of healthcare reporters, which digs into our journalist friends' preferences on which conferences they attend, how they spend their time on site, and how to get their attention during these notoriously chaotic shows. Bottom line: Be helpful, not self-promotional View the news release here: https://lnkd.in/dwywMp5p Check out our sweet infographic, with some more context stats: https://lnkd.in/dh-_TYDv

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My friend and colleague Jeff Caporizzo, a cancer survivor, will join an amazing panel of public health leaders from FDA, CDC, and NIH to share their insights on how audience-driven communications strategies can change the public’s awareness and behaviors towards cancer. Don’t miss this upcoming ICF webinar about the role communications can play in supporting positive public health outcomes. #cancerprevention #cancercommunications #CDC #FDA #NIH https://lnkd.in/e7te6Hh7

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Every month, GW Health PR publishes insightful articles aimed at bridging the gaps in healthcare communications. This Month’s Feature: The Pitfalls of Multicultural Marketing: Why Cultural Nuances Matter The term "multicultural marketing" is often used as a catch-all phrase to describe efforts aimed at reaching diverse audiences. It’s a term that’s become synonymous with inclusivity, but it’s also one that can be dangerously oversimplified. The reality is that grouping communities into a single communication strategy overlooks the unique cultural nuances, values, and experiences of each group. To build authentic connections, marketers must move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach and dig deeper to understand the individual cultures they are engaging with. In this post, we’ll explore the pitfalls of oversimplified multicultural marketing and the benefits of a more culturally informed approach.   The Monolith Myth: Not All Communities Are the Same  When marketing campaigns attempt to engage “multicultural audiences,” they often fall into the trap of assuming that these diverse communities share the same experiences, preferences, and values. Terms like “people of color” or “minority groups” can create an illusion of unity, but they fail to account for the vast differences between cultures. The lived experiences of Black Americans are not the same as those of Latino, Asian, or Indigenous communities, and each group has its own history, language, traditions, and challenges that shape its perspectives.   For example, healthcare disparities within the Black community may stem from centuries of medical mistrust, while in the Latino community, language barriers and immigration status may play a larger role. These distinctions are critical because they influence how individuals receive, interpret, and act upon healthcare communications. By lumping these diverse groups into a single category, marketers risk alienating the very audiences they aim to reach. Please visit https://gwhealthpr.com to read more. Come back at the end of every month. 🚀#HealthcarePR #HealthEquity #CulturallyResonant #BlackCommunityHealth #PharmaCommunications #HealthForAll #GWHealthPR

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Building trust is a process that requires intentionality, authenticity, humility, and a willingness to reexamine institutional norms and narratives. Melissa Tribelhorn, MPA and Northwest Association for Biomedical Research are providing critical thought leadership on an important frontier at the intersection of healthcare and technology to weigh the benefits and risks of rapid technological advancement in patient data acquisition and the potential impact on a range of products from consumer healthcare devices to breakthrough therapeutic discoveries. I deeply appreciate the approach through a critical policy lens - ie. how can we create an environment that propels new innovation while being mindful of maintaining sensible guardrails along the way?

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📢 Public health education is crucial in driving meaningful change and improving health outcomes. In my latest blog post for Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications, I dive into what makes a public health PR campaign truly effective. Hint: Three key components are 1) a multi-channel, multi-language approach, 2) strategic partnerships with trusted figures and organizations, and 3) patient-centric communication. 🌟 #publichealth #healthcarepr

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🚀 BIG NEWS: We are thrilled to announce the launch of Strategos Group's National Advocacy Management (NAM) practice! Led by Strategos Partner and former Florida State Representative Vance Aloupis, NAM is designed to empower #education companies to navigate the dynamic policy landscape with tailored, data-driven advocacy campaigns. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g3HGqUYM Many companies are searching for ways to better navigate the dynamic policy environments from state to state. Since education policy is unique to other industries, identifying advocates who know the complexities of the educational landscape is critical to success. Led by early learning advocate and former Florida State Representative Vance Aloupis, Strategos Group’s National Advocacy Management (NAM) practice provides a comprehensive, personalized strategy for education companies searching to expand a multi-state advocacy approach. NAM cuts through a crowded market, maximizing visibility and access for clients to find superior solutions. A bird's-eye view is often necessary to manage an ever-changing market landscape. NAM provides the foresight to enter new market niches before saturation, offering the wisdom to pivot from unsuitable environments. Read about the launch of our new practice below! #Education #Advocacy #Policy #StrategosGroup #Innovation #NAM #Consulting #NationalAdvocacyManagement #EducationAdvocacy

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Resource Reminder! Public Health Communications Collaborative will be hosting a webinar that introduces their new comprehensive guide on crafting and evaluating accessible social media strategies. Attendees will gain insights into practical tools, tips, and examples for enhancing accessibility in public health communications. https://bit.ly/4bi06vh #TAPintoCancerControl #gwccTAP #CancerResearch #Communications #CancerControl #Accessibility

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Healthcare for All: Bridging Gaps with Purpose and Innovation The challenge of healthcare inequities isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reality impacting lives daily. Recently, we’ve seen data highlighting gaps in access, quality, and outcomes, especially for underserved communities. Tackling this issue requires more than policies and technology; it demands a commitment to empathy and understanding. 💼 As professionals in healthcare communication and strategy, we play a unique role: Crafting messages that resonate with all audiences and reflect the urgency of accessible care. Collaborating across sectors to create solutions that not only reach but truly support those who need them most. This isn’t just about what we do—it’s about why we do it. Every story shared, every innovation spotlighted, is a step toward a more equitable healthcare future. How do you see your role in advancing healthcare equity? #HealthcareForAll #HealthEquity #StrategicCommunication #PatientAccess #InnovationInHealth

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Register for Public Health Communications Collaborative New Free Webinar  We are excited to announce our next webinar, Comms Crash Course: Developing and Producing Videos to Expand Public Health Messaging, on Wednesday, May 1, at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT. Expert panelists will cover best practices for using video to broaden outreach, engage with diverse populations, and foster healthier communities. Topics will include:  Crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and the importance of storytelling in public health messaging. Foundational aspects of creating a video, including planning, shooting, and editing to develop engaging content. Strategies for maximizing video reach and engagement across platforms. https://lnkd.in/gYDAYSwr

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Before launching a public health campaign, such as a vaccination drive, it is worth fielding a survey experiment to pre-test various messages for public outreach, according to a cost-effectiveness analysis. In PNAS Nexus: https://ow.ly/pF9y50U2HkO

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Press Release The Boston Congress of Public Health Review Announces New Policies on Author Positionality Statements, Declaration of Authorship Contributions, and Zero Percent AI Detection Boston, MA – July 19, 2024 – The Boston Congress of Public Health Review (BCPHR) is proud to announce the implementation of new policies aimed at enhancing transparency, integrity, and accountability in scholarly publications. These policies include the introduction of author positionality statements, mandatory declaration of authorship contributions, and a stringent zero percent AI detection standard for all submitted manuscripts. Author Positionality Statements: In an effort to foster greater transparency and self-awareness in research, BCPHR now requires all authors to include positionality statements in their submissions. These statements will provide insights into the authors’ backgrounds, perspectives, and potential biases, enabling readers to better understand the context and motivations behind the research. Declaration of Authorship Contributions: BCPHR has instituted a policy mandating the detailed declaration of each author’s contributions to the research and manuscript. This initiative is designed to promote fairness, recognize individual efforts, and ensure that student contributors are appropriately recognized for their efforts in research. Zero Percent AI Detection: BCPHR has adopted a zero percent AI detection policy in all manuscripts. While we endorse the use of AI to increase productivity and efficiency in the production of manuscripts, we do not endorse the replacement of original and creative writing, and independent scholarship with AI. All submitted manuscripts will undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that they are free from AI-generated content and we will have no exceptions. Manuscripts containing AI-written material will be desk-rejected without the opportunity for resubmission and publication consideration. Dr. Candice Carpenter, Co-Editor-in-Chief of BCPHR, commented: "These new policies highlight our resolute commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability in public health and social justice research. By introducing author positionality statements, detailed authorship contributions, and a strict zero percent AI detection standard, we aim to enhance the quality and reliability of the research and editorial pieces we publish." These policies will be effective immediately and apply to all future submissions to The Boston Congress of Public Health Review. We believe these steps will significantly contribute to the advancement of public health knowledge and the credibility of our journal.

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>>>> 81% of surveyed physicians say corporate reputation influences their perception of medicine value at least moderately. (I can't get 81% of my family to agree to a pizza topping, so this is a staggering number!) Our latest #WEBrandsinMotion health report, "Reputation Rules: Unlocking Physician Prescribing Power," has a TON of fascinating, actionable takeaways for pharmaceutical companies, like the stat above. The full #ReputationRules report is at this link and is very much worth your time: https://lnkd.in/g3VcQzJv Kudos to my WE Communications Global Health colleagues on this powerful report!

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@PH_Comms has examples of pre- and debunking in its Public Health Communicators Guide to Misinformation. Debunking helps address misinfo already circulating, prebunking allows you to get ahead of misinfo with facts + avoid repetition of false claims. https://lnkd.in/edq2Xj59

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Your voice matters in shaping the future of public health in Maryland. The Maryland Commission on Public Health is conducting a survey to better understand which sources you rely on for health information (excluding personal health care providers). Your responses will help us improve health communication and engagement across our state’s health departments. 📊 Take the survey today and contribute to a healthier Maryland! 🔗 Get started using the link below #MarylandPublicHealth #HealthSurvey #PublicEngagement #HealthCommunication #CommunityVoices

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DDC SVP and Healthcare Practice Lead Dan Sweet shares key insights on why trust in #science is essential for effective healthcare policymaking, public health strategies, and the overall advancement of medical innovation. With political ideologies increasingly influencing scientific discourse, Dan highlights why building back trust in science starts with effective #stakeholderengagement. https://bit.ly/40nDmHy #publicaffairs #healthcare

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The Public Health Communications Collaborative, a learning and information hub committed to “better communication for better health,” just published The Public Health Communicator’s Guide to Misinformation. This guide provides insights into the current misinformation landscape and an overview of tools for assessing risk and determining responses. Use this free resource to learn how to identify false vaccine narratives, and respond with clarity, accurate information, and accessible language: https://bit.ly/4emM5y3 #Vaccination #Misinformation #MakingHealthCareBetter

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