Over the past several months, many public health leaders I consult with tell me the same things; they are so overwhelmed by trying to do contact tracing and drive through testing that they have a hard time managing flu vaccines and other core services that have been overlooked. Some have a critical need to fill positions such as nursing and clerical staff.

Back in early September the CDC issued guidelines to public health departments on how to prepare for the avalanche of visits when the vaccine for Covid-19 rolls out.

If you have been in public health for 10 years or more, you may remember the debacle that was H1N1 pandemic and the lack of preparedness for the onslaught of concerned callers searching for the vaccine. At the time, many said this will never happen again.

Since 2009, funding for public health has been dramatically reduced. Adding insult to injury, many local health departments face increasing competition for flu shots from pharmacies, grocery stores and even big box stores like Walmart. Family planning services are being offered by physicians.

While this may seem overwhelming, take heart! You and your health department are about to have the biggest shot in the arm (excuse the pun) since 911. What do I mean?

While many businesses are struggling to gain the attention of their customers, you have a ready-made community, hungry for treatment that will beat a path to your door once the Covid-19 vaccine arrives.

How do you prepare? How will you respond?

If you haven’t already, it is time to create a marketing plan that will take advantage of the largest influx of visits public health has ever seen. You and every single employee of the agency needs to be prepared to cross-promote your programs and services. It starts with a plan. The second thing you must do now is create marketing that captures the attention of your audience. The third thing you will need to do is capture the email and mailing addresses of your visitors so you can add them to your newsletter.

With focus, creativity and determination, you can use this moment to help end the pandemic while simultaneously turning your agency into beacon of hope. Public health has been invisible too long. It is time to regain the appreciation of your community and those elected officials who control the purse strings.

If you need help, schedule a free strategy call with me.