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Friends for Life

An Effective Practice

Description

The Friends for Life program is a fundraising strategy at the Delaware General Health District, Delaware, Ohio. The traditional methods of educating the community about public health had been tried for years. Articles, brochures, ads, billborads, mailings, and newsletters had not been totally successful as the community still did not know what public health was doing for them. Friends for Life reaches the community on a personal level, one person at a time through small events at the health department. A one hour program provides historical information about the mission of public health and real-life stories about how the health department has impacted individual lives. This information encourages support of the department both financially and through word-of-mouth.

Goal / Mission

The purpose is to inform the public of the agency mission, garner support for services and funding and to create volunteer and donation opportunities.

Results / Accomplishments

Over 200 community members have attended one of the monthly tours over the past two years. Outcomes include an increased awareness of the responsibilities and services of the health department, numerous donations to programs and items for clients, and creation of a 501 (c) (3) corporation with over $43,000 pledged to supplement program funding. Follow-up calls to attendees show they have been enlightened and are spreading word of the Health Department's work in the community.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Delaware General Health District
Primary Contact
Linda Diamond, Director of Development
PO Box 570
1-3 W Winter St
Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 368-1700
ldiamond@rrcol.com
http://www.delawarehealth.org/
Topics
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Community / Civic Engagement
Organization(s)
Delaware General Health District
Source
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Date of publication
2005
Location
Delaware, OH
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