CASE STUDY
Interim Public Relations Manager for Ascension DePaul Services
The Challenge
Ascension DePaul Services is a nonprofit health care organization that operates DePaul Community Health Centers (DCHC) with the mission of providing "high-quality, affordable health care for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors." With the public relations manager preparing for leave, DCHC needed experienced strategic communications leadership for the New Orleans and Arkansas health centers to step in seamlessly. They required someone who could operate independently, uphold organizational standards, and maintain momentum in external communications without disrupting the team or its media relationships.
The Follow-Through
Over the course of the engagement, I functioned as a full member of the DCHC team. I booked and facilitated broadcast interviews with local media outlets, which included building a direct relationship with the producer of WVUE-TV's "NOLA Now" in the process. I managed all of the health center's social media accounts, expanding their LinkedIn presence, and kept their monthly newsletter on schedule. I also produced three to four news releases per month and participated in media strategy meetings with partner vendors.
On the ground, DCHC received on-site PR coverage for the monthly food pantry drive-thru with Second Harvest Food Bank, worked alongside television crews at annual events, including the ribbon-cutting for a new health center and apartments. Although my contract ended before the annual Give Kids a Smile free dental clinic and the Keeping Our Promises gala, DCHC received the requisite pre-event PR support.
When the PR manager returned, Ascension DePaul Services renewed my contract, which is a reflection of the trust we built and the value that remained to deliver. I continued updating news and event content on the health center's website, sustained on-site coverage for the food pantry drive-thru, and served as moderator for the health center's inaugural A Date with Dad: The Art of Fatherhood panel discussion.
Scope of Work
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Worked with the Vice President of Communications, External Affairs & Fund Development in the management of DCHC's public relations.
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Met with the public relations manager and contact for updates on assignments, projects, critical dates, and other need-to-know items.
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Updated and maintained the DCHC website content.
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Update DCHC's social media accounts.
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Assisted with managing DCHC's media relations and event coverage.
Events Covered
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Monthly food pantry drive-thru with Second Harvest Food Bank
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Annual Champions FORE Health Golf Tournament
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Annual Christmas Toy & New Clothing Giveaway
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Ribbon Cutting for the H3C Apartment Complex (in conjunction with DCHC)
Additional Support Provided
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Contributed contacts to and reorganized the PR department's media list to conduct more efficient and segmented outreach.
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Accompanied the CEO/President and providers to media interviews.
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Added press releases and events to the DCHC website.
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Created a shareable stock photo and b-roll folder for media outlets.
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Built rapport with the DCHC providers and team members.
Results and Outcomes
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Zero disruption to PR operations.
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Maintained DCHC's relationships with local media outlets and built additional relationships.
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Contributed to efforts that led to the department's winning the Press Club of New Orleans' 2024 award for Public Relations: Social Media and Digital Influence.
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Contract extended to review and revise New Orleans and Arkansas's DCHC website copy.
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Updated the landing page copy for all of the services for DCHC's New Orleans locations.
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Added and updated the bios for 84 of DCHC's 93 New Orleans and Arkansas providers.
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