Porter Novelli Begins Work With NHLBI on COPD Awareness Effort

WASHINGTON, April 23 /PRNewswire/ — The Washington, D.C. office of Porter Novelli has been selected by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), of the National Institutes of Health, to expand and enhance its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) awareness campaign.

“In 1972, the NHLBI was our first client – a relationship that lasted for more than 20 years as we taught Americans about the dangers of high blood pressure, then encouraged them to ‘know your number’ when it comes to cholesterol,” said Carolyn Tieger, partner and managing director of Porter Novelli’s Washington office. “We are honored to work with the NHLBI once more and build on our legacy of successful social marketing and public education campaigns.”

Porter Novelli will work with the NHLBI to support its COPD Learn More Breathe Better(R) campaign, a program the NHLBI launched in 2007 to increase awareness and understanding of the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. While more than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD, another 12 million may have it but don’t know, despite living with symptoms every day. With the rate of COPD on the rise, Porter Novelli will work with NHLBI on a full-scale integrated campaign to help people recognize the symptoms of COPD, encourage diagnosis, and improve their quality of life while living with the disease.

“We have a proven track record when it comes to integrated strategies that empower people to change their behaviors. Whether it’s educating Americans about ‘bad’ fats or motivating them to eat 5 to 9 fruits and vegetables a day, we’ve always welcomed a challenge. We’re excited to be applying our thinking and a research-based approach to educating the public and raising awareness about COPD,” said senior vice president for health and social marketing, Rosy McGillan, who will be leading the effort for Porter Novelli.

About the NHLBI

Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) plans, conducts, and supports research related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases; and sleep disorders. The Institute also administers national health education campaigns on women and heart disease, healthy weight for children, and other topics. Information about the NHLBI, including its research and health education campaigns and materials is available online at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

About Porter Novelli

Porter Novelli was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972 and is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). With 100 offices in 60 countries, we take a 360-degree view of clients’ businesses to build powerful communications programs that resonate with critical stakeholders. Our reputation is built on our foundation in strategic planning and insights generation and our ability to adopt a media-neutral approach. We ensure our clients achieve Intelligent Influence, systematically mapping the most effective interactions, making them happen and measuring the outcome. Human intelligence. Real influence.

SOURCE Porter Novelli