London, ON – Just what does public health do and how does it affect our community? With its new We’re HERE for YOU campaign, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is taking an eye-catching step towards highlighting several of the programs and services it provides to local residents. Developed by MLHU staff and focus tested by London’s Insights research firm, the campaign combines clear messages with a humourous index finger character to show that the Health Unit does more than the average person might think.

The initial phase of the campaign includes Facebook, transit and billboard advertising; and will eventually include other additional marketing efforts online and in print.

“We consistently hear from the public, our Board of Health members, and municipal councilors that they don’t understand what we do. Prevention work is really important, but it’s not sexy, so public health agencies have always had a challenge getting their message out,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We hope our campaign will help to overcome that challenge.”

“The finger character, which is central to this campaign, highlights our programs and services in a fun and memorable way anyone can identify with,” added Dan Flaherty, the Health Unit’s Communications Manager.

In order to maximize the campaign’s effectiveness, the Health Unit shared draft graphics and messages with its staff and sought feedback to fine-tune the effort. The refined designs were then presented for input and comment to four focus groups of local residents, who represented different demographics. MLHU staff also consulted with Elgin St. Thomas Public Health and Oxford County Public Health and Emergency Services to share both development costs and completed campaign resources. Other health units will be invited to purchase campaign resources, which can be adapted easily to address local needs.

This collaborative approach highlights the MLHU’s goal of creating a public awareness campaign that would increase knowledge about the Health Unit, while highlighting the value of the programs and services available to everyone in Middlesex-London.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Public Health Nurses, Public Health Inspectors, Family Home Visitors, Dietitians, Public Health Promoters, Dental Health staff, volunteers and support staff provide a broad range of services and programs. These include nurses in schools, immunizations, prenatal classes, Well Baby Child and Breastfeeding Clinics, food premises inspections and food safety programs, dental health programs, sexual health and birth control clinics, well water testing, cancer prevention, vector-borne disease control, tobacco control programs, and much more. 

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit