Healthy Montgomery

Partner Overview

The Healthy Montgomery Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI) was a collaborative public health effort coordinated by the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) alongside an extensive network of partners, including Holy Cross Health, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, the Primary Care Coalition, the Montgomery County Food Council, and other community organizations. Together, these entities worked to promote health equity and address systemic issues in Maryland’s Montgomery County by advancing initiatives focused on school wellness, food access, safe routes to schools, and tobacco-free living.

Project Objective

Communications Shop partnered with IPHI to support the Healthy Montgomery TCI in effectively communicating its mission, work, and impact to both the public and its internal stakeholders. Our goal was to:

1. Educate the Public about TCI’s role in advancing public health initiatives.
2. Strengthen Internal Communication among TCI’s partners and stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging.
3. Promote TCI’s Achievements through strategic outreach and engaging materials.

Our Role

Communications Shop’s work with TCI focused on designing and executing a range of strategic communications efforts. Key areas of involvement included:

1. Strategic Communications Planning: We collaborated with TCI to develop a clear and actionable communications plan tailored to their specific goals, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders.

2. Messaging Coaching: To build capacity among TCI’s partners, we provided coaching sessions and resources to help them deliver impactful and cohesive messaging about the initiative’s work and objectives.

3. Media Relations: We assisted TCI in navigating media outreach by crafting press releases and securing local media coverage to amplify their public health campaigns.

4. Content Creation: Communications Shop produced a variety of materials to support TCI’s engagement efforts, including:

• Newsletters and E-blasts: To keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Social Media Strategies: Designed to expand the initiative’s digital footprint and drive public awareness.
• Graphics and Visual Content: Developed to convey key messages in an accessible and engaging manner.
• Educational Videos: Created to highlight the initiative’s impact and the importance of its work in Montgomery County.

Results

• Improved Public Awareness: The community gained greater visibility into TCI’s programs, fostering understanding and participation in health initiatives.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Capacity: Partners were better equipped to deliver consistent, impactful messaging aligned with TCI’s goals.
• Successful Media Engagement: Local media coverage amplified TCI’s achievements and efforts, increasing public interest.
• Dynamic Communication Materials: Newsletters, videos, and graphics successfully captured community attention and motivated civic involvement.

Conclusion

Our partnership with the Healthy Montgomery Transforming Communities Initiative illustrates the critical role of thoughtful communication strategies in advancing public health initiatives. By providing a strategic framework, tailored content, and partner coaching, Communications Shop helped TCI engage the community, amplify their message, and drive meaningful change toward a healthier Montgomery County.