PR Firm Taking Action Against Type 2 Diabetes
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 20, 2008 — Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, one of the world’s leading public relations and communications firms, today joined more than 25 national organizations to become a National Diabetes Goal Champion. The National Diabetes Goal is an effort by organizations, trade associations, and corporations to help reduce the number of type 2 diabetes cases in the United States.
The Goal seeks to ensure that, by 2015, 45 percent of Americans who are at risk for type 2 diabetes will know their blood glucose level and what actions to take to prevent diabetes. Today, only 17 percent of American adults — or approximately 22 million people — who are at risk for diabetes actually know their blood glucose level and what actions to take.
The Goal was first launched in May 2008 by the National Changing Diabetes Program in conjunction with many healthcare stakeholders, including, among others, the American Diabetes Association and Revolution Health.
“Our aspiration is to eventually get as close to 100 percent awareness as possible,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard president and chief executive officer. “Compelling information, well-delivered and understood, is our best weapon. We want to join the other National Diabetes Goal Champions and make a real difference, to help make our country a healthier place.”
As a National Diabetes Goal Champion, Fleishman-Hillard will work to help build awareness of diabetes risk factors and the appropriate actions to take when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In the coming months, Fleishman-Hillard will conduct communications activities to help reach the Goal.
In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study which showed that nearly 24 million people in the U.S. have diabetes — an increase of more than 3 million in two years.
“As communicators, it is important that we share more and better information and create a greater awareness of the risk factors and health effects of type 2 diabetes. By becoming a Goal Champion, we are better equipped to help our employees make the best possible health decisions,” said Martha Boudreau, executive vice president and general manager of Fleishman-Hillard’s Washington, D.C., office.
About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading public relations firms, has built its reputation by using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, South Africa, and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at www.fleishman.com.
Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
