Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

Situation:

On the eve of an historic Presidential election in which no sitting President or Vice President was running for election for the first time in over 80 years, our client approached us with an idea. What if we were able to conduct a grassroots campaign to educate and engage candidates around a health care issue?

Resolution:

Public Affairs Company built the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) in Iowa, host of the nation’s first Presidential Caucus in January 2008. Because dozens of health care coalitions were already competing for the candidates’ attention, we created a unique partnership that included former governors, labor unions, state Chambers of Commerce, patient groups, healthcare providers and the faith community. By bringing this impressive partnership together in the form of the PFCD, we were able to gain instant credibility with candidates and the media. We sponsored debates, attended rallies, raised our issue at town hall meetings and created a strong, visible presence at major public events. After only a few weeks, the PFCD received endorsements from almost every major presidential campaign. As the project progresses through the post-primary season, we continue to gain the support of candidates at every level.