(EMAILWIRE.COM, August 21, 2008 ) The Southwest Ohio Region of Planned Parenthood has launched a new, innovative advocacy campaign. The ‘A Word’ campaign is designed to educate the public regarding the breadth of Planned Parenthood services, the positive impact the group makes on the community, and, most importantly find common ground and encourage open discussions about sexual and reproductive health.
The multi-faceted advertising series confronts head on the expected ‘A word,’ and instead shares the reality of the vast majority of Planned Parenthood services and programming, focusing on Abstinence, Access, Affordability and Advocacy. In each ad, Planned Parenthood’s Southwest Ohio Region CEO, Becki Brenner encourages community members to change their perspectives and take a moment to think and learn more about the realities of services provided – including cancer screenings, reducing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and proper prenatal care.
“We want to educate our community about the realities of our people and the services we offer. It’s critical to the health of our community that everyone realize who we are,” Brenner explained. “We are advocates for proper sexual education which we agree begins at home. We offer assistance to those who may not have access to health services millions take for granted, like simple Ob/Gyn services. We want to reduce teen pregnancy, STIs and abortion rates. We agree on much more than folks may think, but unfortunately, we have been defined and maligned by our detractors – thus the campaign”
In addition to the newspaper ads, the organization has launched a new, interactive Web site www.theawordohio.com. The site includes fact sheets, streaming video, articles for teens and tip sheets for parents. Outdoor and indoor billboards, broadcast, social media, public relations and public affairs are all part of the integrated mix. The campaign was designed and strategy developed by Greater Cincinnati firm Eisen Management Group.
“There was and has been entirely too much talk, and sadly little listening on both sides of this discussion,” EMG president Rodger Roeser said. “The rhetoric only serves to further polarize, when in reality there is significant common ground, and Planned Parenthood has been characterized in a largely false and negative light for far too long. The campaign is designed to share that there is common ground, but most importantly, that Planned Parenthood is a valued member of this community and is willing to listen and confront these tough, important issues head on.”
Brenner added that she understands why some may disagree with two percent of the services provided by Planned Parenthood. But, she says, the services we provide are invaluable to the community regardless of rhetoric, and without which would cause significant hardship to those that rely upon the organization and further strain taxpayers and hospitals. Brenner even gives out her personal email address in the advertisements, to encourage and foster two way communications – praising or criticizing the group.
About Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region
Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider. The organization believes that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is one of 107 affiliates operating more than 860 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men and teenagers each year. The organization works with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.
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Contact Information:
Planned Parenthood
Rodger Roeser
Tel: 859.291.4302
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