Louder Together: Amplifying Women’s Health Stories Through Thoughtful PR

By Emily Tillet, Senior Director at AVOQ

In the vibrant world of public relations, our power lies in our ability to shape narratives, connect communities, and drive meaningful change. As a network dedicated to empowering women in PR, we hold a unique responsibility–and a profound opportunity–to amplify the voices that often go unheard, particularly in the realm of women's health.

For too long, conversations surrounding crucial aspects of women's well-being have been whispered or shrouded in silence. It's time to break those barriers and bring these vital stories into the spotlight. By strategically leveraging our PR expertise, we can illuminate the challenges women face, celebrate their resilience, and connect them with the resources they desperately need.

Two organizations that exemplify the power of advocacy and support in women's health are Postpartum Support International (PSI) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). These incredible groups work tirelessly on the front lines, offering crucial services and driving critical research. As PR professionals, we can be instrumental in bolstering their impact.

Postpartum Support International addresses the often-invisible struggles of maternal mental health. From the "baby blues" to postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, these conditions affect a significant number of new mothers, yet stigma and lack of awareness often leave them feeling isolated and alone. PSI provides invaluable resources, including a helpline, online support groups, and a network of trained professionals. By crafting compelling narratives around the experiences of mothers and the support PSI offers, our team at On Air/AVOQ were able to secure nearly 30 broadcast media engagements in English and Spanish, across local and network outlets to help break the silence on an all-too-common issue, encourage help-seeking behavior, and foster a more compassionate and understanding society. Our team successfully re-imagined PSI’s campaign efforts by putting personal stories of recovery at the forefront, highlighting the signs and symptoms of postpartum mental health challenges, and directed individuals to PSI's vital service across a wide array of demographics. 

On another critical front, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is dedicated to funding innovative research, advocating for patients, and providing support to those affected by ovarian cancer. Often referred to as the "silent killer" due to its subtle early symptoms, ovarian cancer demands greater awareness and earlier detection methods. OCRA plays a pivotal role in driving scientific breakthroughs and empowering women with information. Our team at On Air was tapped to share the latest in OCRA’s initiative with Microsoft Health funding global research grants. We were able to leverage our team’s ability to zero-in on targeted, thoughtful outreach to key stakeholders across the country including tech-minded viewers in Silicon Valley to policymakers in Washington, D.C. These thoughtful approaches to sensitive and necessary topics helped to elevate OCRA's mission by sharing the stories of survivors, highlighting the importance of research funding, and educating the public about risk factors and symptoms. Our mission was to create a campaign that amplifies the voices of researchers on the cusp of new discoveries or shares the journeys of brave women navigating their diagnoses, connecting them with OCRA's support networks.

So, how can our wider network actively contribute to amplifying similar crucial voices?

• Pro Bono Support: We can offer our expertise to women’s-focused health organizations in developing communication strategies, crafting press releases, managing social media campaigns, and securing media coverage.
• Awareness Campaigns: We can initiate our own campaigns within our networks and communities to raise awareness about issues similar to postpartum mental health or ovarian cancer, directing people to the resources provided by these organizations.
• Storytelling Workshops: We can host workshops focused on ethical and impactful storytelling for women's health advocates and survivors, empowering them to share their experiences effectively.
• Industry Engagement: We can continue to leverage our connections within the PR industry to encourage media outlets and influencers to prioritize these important health topics.
• Education and Advocacy: We can educate ourselves and our colleagues about the specific challenges and needs within women's health, becoming informed advocates for change.

By uniting our skills and passion, WWPR can become a powerful force in amplifying the voices that need to be heard. Let's commit to using our influence to break the silence, foster understanding, and drive meaningful support for organizations like Postpartum Support International and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, ultimately empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being. Our collective voice, when raised together, has the power to create real and lasting impact.

Emily Tillett is a Senior Director at AVOQ, an advocacy and communications firm, and serves as Editorial Producer for On Air, AVOQ’s broadcast media offering. Her clients include leaders in the public health space and technology world where she regularly manages broadcast media engagements for local and network spots across the country.