Princeton Health’s public affairs, planning, and marketing efforts during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reaped three PeRCy Awards in 2020, a majority of the prizes presented at the Healthcare Planning & Marketing Society of New Jersey’s annual meeting on December 4.
The society presents the PeRCy Awards annually to recognize the best marketing and communications campaigns by New Jersey hospitals and healthcare systems.
Penn Medicine Princeton Health will receive these 2020 awards:
- Best Hospital Public Relations, Crisis Situation
- Best Hospital Planning Efforts
- Special Recognition for Niche Marketing
“It is always rewarding to be recognized for your work, but to win these awards during the worst pandemic in over 100 years is truly extraordinary,” Carol Norris-Smith, Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs, wrote in a congratulatory message to members of her team. “Thank you so much for the countless hours you have spent and your boundless energy and commitment to our colleagues and the patients and community we serve.”
The hospital planning category recognized operational changes undertaken at Princeton Medical Center, Princeton House Behavioral Health, and other Princeton Health locations to ensure that staff and providers could safely care for patients through the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest public health challenge of our lives, and we weathered the first wave well thanks to our resilient staff and a committed team of leaders who guided the planning,” said James Demetriades, senior vice president and COO. “We also received invaluable support and guidance from Penn Medicine and cooperation from other health and emergency management officials in our region and state.”
The niche marketing award recognized Mind on Mental Health, a podcast series launched by Princeton House to provide professional guidance and perspective on a variety of mental health and substance use-related topics. Each episode features Andrew Dean — senior community relations specialist and a licensed clinical social worker — interviewing Princeton House psychiatrists and therapists on issues such as managing anxiety, emotional eating triggers, grieving during COVID-19, and building resiliency.
“It’s important to do anything we can for the community at large, especially during times of crisis when anxiety is skyrocketing,” said Dean. “We chose podcasts for their accessibility; you can listen to them even when washing dishes or going for a walk.”