“Don’t Ignore Your EndoScore” Campaign Focuses on Risk Factors and How Individuals and Families Can Prevent Heart Attacks and Improve Heart Health through Arterial Function Testing
New York, NY, November 12, 2013 – GCI Health, a leading healthcare-focused global public relations agency, is working with Israel-based medical device company, Itamar Medical, on its first-ever initiative in the U.S. to increase awareness of arterial function testing and the importance of early detection in preventing heart attacks. New York was selected as the first city to kick off “Don’t Ignore Your EndoScore” because of the fact that people are more likely to die of a heart attack in New York City than anywhere else in the U.S.
Although heart attacks are often preventable, each year, about 715,000 Americans suffer from one. In many cases, there are no apparent symptoms to signal the early stages of cardiovascular disease or a heart attack. Groups that are at particular risk are families with a history of heart disease, those with a previous heart attack or evidence of heart disease, and those who face tremendous workplace stress. To increase understanding of the heart attack risk factors that can and cannot be controlled, Itamar and GCI Health are launching a pilot campaign, “Don’t Ignore Your EndoScore” campaign. The week-long campaign rolls out in New York the week of November 11.
“Getting an early diagnosis and taking preventative measures is critical in combating heart disease,” said, Gilad Glick, CEO of Itamar Medical. “Our first foray into the U.S. market required an agency that knows the cardiovascular category, understands how to communicate scientific messages across all media platforms and is highly skilled in activating consumers. GCI Health has that robust experience. They are the perfect partner for us.”
This grassroots campaign will focus on providing information and options to help individuals, families and communities to best maximize their heart health, and will include testing with Itamar’s EndoPAT test in participating New York-based hospitals and medical practices. The campaign will be supported with:
– The participation of three of New York’s leading physicians in the areas of cardiovascular disease and heart/general health
– Distribution (traditional and digital) of more than 20,000 campaign brochures and flyers to New York-based community organizations
– Coordination with New York-based patient advocacy organizations to ensure broad distribution of campaign information
– A voucher program that provides for a second free test for a family member or loved one whenever someone takes an EndoPAT test during the month of November
– A comprehensive media initiative focused on New York-based print, broadcast and digital media, as well as a range of social media activities
– A dedicated campaign website, www.Prevent-HeartAttack.com, and hotline, (855) PATMyHeart, where interested parties can go to for more information and testing locations
“As a native New Yorker, I’m excited that Itamar has chosen to work with GCI Health on such an important public health venture,” said Wendy Lund, CEO of GCI Health. “Heart disease is so prevalent in the U.S. and, combined with the unique challenges New Yorkers face, there’s an incredible need for early interventions to maintain or improve heart health, and to ensure a healthier New York.”
About GCI Health
GCI Health is a forward-thinking healthcare public relations agency powered by best-in-the-business professionals and the only WPP company that specializes in healthcare public relations. With more than 140 professionals across the US, Canada and Europe, our client roster spans broadly across many sectors in healthcare, including pharmaceutical, biotech, medical technology, consumer health, provider (hospitals and managed care), telehealth, beauty and aesthetics and non-profit. GCI Health offers clients an accessible senior level leadership team, A-to-Z healthcare experience, a commitment to beating client expectations, and an obsession with anticipating the challenges of an increasingly complex and transforming healthcare communications environment. With insider’s knowledge of health media, high science, digital health strategy, consumer activation, crisis management, reputation building, patient advocacy and health education, GCI Health’s focus on delivering results is unrelenting.
About Itamar Medical
Established in 1997, Caesarea, Israel-based Itamar Medical (TASE: ITMR) is a medical device company which develops, markets and sells diagnostic medical devices based on the PAT™ (Peripheral Arterial Tone) signal. The PAT signal is a non-invasive “window” to the cardiovascular system and the autonomic nervous system.
The company’s EndoPAT™ is an innovative diagnostic tool that gives doctors and patients a window to the current functioning of the endothelium and the overall health of the heart. The non-invasive diagnostic tool is the only medical device indicated for use in endothelial function assessment. WatchPAT is an FDA-approved portable diagnostic device that uses the most innovative technology to ensure the accurate screening, detection, and the follow-up on treatment of sleep apnea.
Itamar Medical ranks 14th in the Deloitte Fast 50 for 2008, with a five year growth of 1,915%. Deloitte Fast 50 is an annual list of the fastest growing companies in Israel.
