In my full-time role as a media manager, I work on several healthcare issues, one being peripheral artery disease (PAD), a circulatory disease where blood vessels narrow and harden restricting blood flow to limbs. When left untreated PAD often results in avoidable lower limb amputations. Additionally, PAD is more prevalent in Black and Latino communities where access to healthcare is often limited and comorbidities, such as diabetes and heart disease are more prevalent.
My client, the Cardiovascular Coalition has made this disease a priority working hard to spread awareness and influence Congressional policy to promote early screenings and Medicare resources for this disease impacting 20 million Americans.
Every year the CVC amplifies its work during PAD Awareness Month in September. To prepare for the awareness month I managed a grassroots campaign through Voter Voice and designed a social media toolkit aimed at patient advocates, and healthcare organizations looking to promote #PADAwareness.
The grassroots letter to the editor (LTE) campaign reached more than 100 newspapers nationwide. The toolkit distributed to partner organizations and healthcare professionals included background information on peripheral artery disease, social media graphics, and sample social media copy for Twitter and LinkedIn.
A sign given to revascularization and cardiology physicians to display in their offices during #PADAwareness Month in September.
Social Copy
The CVC operates a Twitter page in addition to its website. While their organization is provider-based, there is a huge emphasis on community engagement and education. CVC Twitter posts typically include cardiovascular health news, federal health policy updates, and advocacy messaging for health equity.
Below are a variety of posts that can be seen on the CardioVascular Coalition's Twitter.
