Public health advocates.

The Alliance for a Healthier New York is a collaborative effort between health care workers’ union SEIU-1199 and Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA). The coalition advocates for policies that improve and protect the health of all New Yorkers.

A “sweet” proposition.

According to the Alliance, over 10 million New Yorkers are overweight, resulting in more cases of diabetes and heart disease annually. To combat these fiscal and health-related costs, New York State proposed a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. As a major supporter of the bill, the Alliance needed an online presence to urge New Yorkers to take action, and answer important questions related to sugar-sweetened drinks and the effects on the beverage industry.

Generating awareness online.

The Alliance called on SD to create a website and banner ads to generate awareness about the campaign. We worked with the Alliance’s coordinating firm to match the look and feel of the campaign’s direct mail component. We designed and developed a site that highlighted frequently asked questions surrounding the proposal and effects on the beverage industry. It was also used to promote other media, including radio spots and television commercials. Most importantly, we developed a “Take Action Center” that included an online petition that users could sign and voice their support for the soda tax.

An ongoing campaign.

Recently, the New York Times highlighted the proposed legislation, mentioning the Alliance for a Healthier New York site, bringing in spike in traffic. Moreover, many New Yorkers visited the Take Action center to encourage Albany to pass the tax.