How Public Relations Professionals Can Drive Equality Through Health Communication

/0 Comments/in /by

Medicine abuse does not affect all communities equally. In the United States, underrepresented populations often face unique barriers to treatment and prevention resources. Lack of nearby clinics, limited transportation, and cultural stigma all contribute to a persistent gap in care, especially for communities of color. Too often, individuals do not receive the help they need until issues become severe, creating long-term consequences for families and communities alike.

As communications professionals, we know that messaging can either bridge gaps or widen them. Traditional health campaigns often miss their mark because they rely on language, visuals, or channels that are not culturally relevant or accessible. A prescription misuse campaign, for example, might assume that audiences speak English fluently, have easy access to healthcare, or feel comfortable discussing mental health. Without intentionally inclusive design, prevention efforts can unintentionally exclude the very people most at risk.

This is where public relations professionals and PRSA Pittsburgh can make a real difference. Inclusive communication ensures that prevention strategies are understood, that signs of abuse are recognized, and that individuals feel empowered to seek help. At PRSA Pittsburgh, our commitment to diversity and inclusion challenges us to prepare communicators to create campaigns that reflect the realities of all communities, not just a select few.

Here in Pittsburgh, organizations are already leading the way. 1Hood Media uses storytelling, the arts, and social justice to deliver culturally relevant prevention programs. The Pittsburgh Project supports youth and families by promoting healthy decision-making and wellness. Both groups prove that inclusive outreach works by building trust, breaking down stigma, and providing accessible pathways to care. PRSA Pittsburgh can learn from these examples as there is an opportunity to expand our educational resources. Offering workshops or professional development on inclusive health communication, such as reaching multilingual audiences or designing campaigns for underserved neighborhoods, would strengthen both our members and the communities we serve.

Nationally, other organizations are also making strides in medicine misuse awareness, focusing on inclusive health messaging and culturally tailored prevention programs. From youth education initiatives to adult support networks, these campaigns highlight the importance of representation and accessibility in reaching communities that are often overlooked. By showcasing relatable experiences and providing practical resources, they empower individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or stigma. These efforts remind us that communication is not only about raising awareness. It is about building trust, inspiring action, and driving change.

For PRSA Pittsburgh, the responsibility is clear. We must not only share information but also commit to equity and representation in every campaign we support. By amplifying diverse voices, engaging and potentially partnering with local organizations, and investing in member education, we can help ensure that medicine abuse prevention and public health messaging more broadly reach those who need them most.

Inclusive communication is more than a strategy. It is a responsibility we carry as communicators. At PRSA Pittsburgh, we are committed to leading that charge, ensuring our work strengthens not only our profession but also the health and equity of our community.

From Smiles to Impact: Meet Jaleya Matai, PRSA Pittsburgh’s newest DEI Program Intern

/0 Comments/in /by

PRSA Pittsburgh welcomes its new DEI Program intern, Jaleya Matai. The DEI Program internship offers college juniors and seniors from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups practical PR experience while assisting with the chapter’s daily operations. Running from September to late November, the remote internship involves 10-15 hours of work per week, with flexible scheduling in collaboration with PRSA’s board of directors. Interns engage in tasks such as writing blog posts, creating social media content and supporting event management, providing a comprehensive introduction to a career in communications.

After reviewing dozens of applications, conducting interviews, and finalizing schedules, our new PRSA Pittsburgh DEI Program intern has been selected.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Jaleya Matai, and I’m a senior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Natural Sciences on the pre-dental track. My academic journey has been deeply interdisciplinary as I am pursuing minors in Psychology, Chemistry, Africana Studies, and Marketing, as well as a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Together, these experiences have strengthened both my analytical and communication skills, giving me a broad perspective on how people learn, connect, and share ideas.

What made you interested in Dentistry? What made you interested in this Diversity and Inclusion Intern position?

I’ve always been drawn to healthcare because of its direct impact on people’s quality of life, and dentistry stood out to me as a field that combines science, art, and service. Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, yet it’s often overlooked. I like that dentistry allows me to work hands-on with patients, helping them not only prevent disease but also feel more confident in themselves. My interest also comes from wanting to give back to communities where access to dental care isn’t always guaranteed. I see dentistry as a way to merge my academic strengths with my commitment to service.

Even though my academic focus is on dentistry, I know that communication is essential in every field. Through my sorority, mentoring, and campus involvement, I’ve seen how powerful storytelling and outreach can be in connecting people, building trust, and creating inclusive spaces. That’s what drew me to this internship: the opportunity to strengthen my professional writing, learn more about content planning and event support, and contribute to PRSA’s mission of advancing diversity and inclusion. I see this position as a way to build skills that will serve me in dentistry and beyond, while also giving me the chance to support a meaningful cause in the Pittsburgh community.

How has your background influenced the way you approach communication?

As a Black woman and underrepresented student within my major, I’ve learned the importance of representation and inclusive storytelling. My background shapes how I communicate: with empathy, awareness, and a focus on making sure people feel seen and heard.

In my tutoring and mentoring experiences, I’ve learned how to adjust my communication style depending on who I’m working with. And in my leadership roles, I’ve seen the impact of ensuring everyone has a voice in planning and decision-making. Those lessons translate directly to public relations, where communication is about more than delivering a message. It’s about building relationships and creating space for connection.

What are you looking forward to while working with PRSA Pittsburgh?

I’d like to strengthen my professional writing across formats such as blogs, newsletters, and promotional materials. I’m also eager to gain hands-on experience in strategic content planning and learn more about how a professional organization builds partnerships and serves its community.

Most importantly, I’m excited to contribute my unique perspective to PRSA Pittsburgh’s DEI initiatives while learning from the talented professionals on the board. I see this internship as an opportunity not only to develop skills but also to make a meaningful impact by supporting inclusive storytelling, engagement, and event planning.

Program at 2025 Renaissance Awards

Pittsburgh’s Top Communication Professionals and Campaigns Honored at 2025 Renaissance Awards

/0 Comments/in /by

On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the premier organization servicing communications, marketing and public relations professionals in southwestern Pennsylvania, hosted its […]

Read more →
Aaliyah on a mountain

Meet Aaliyah Thomas, PRSA Pittsburgh’s newest DEI Program Intern

/0 Comments/in /by

PRSA Pittsburgh welcomes its first DEI Program intern, Aaliyah Thomas. The DEI Program
internship offers college juniors and seniors from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
practical PR experience while assisting with the chapter’s daily operations. Running from
September to early December, the remote internship involves 10-15 hours of work per week,
with flexible scheduling in collaboration with PRSA’s board of directors. Interns engage in tasks
such as writing blog posts, creating social media content and supporting event management,
providing a comprehensive introduction to a career in communications.
After reviewing dozens of applications, conducting interviews, and finalizing schedules, the first
PRSA Pittsburgh DEI Program intern has been selected.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Aaliyah Thomas and I am a senior at Slippery Rock University majoring in Strategic
Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Intercultural
Communication.

What made you interested in Public Relations?
While I now have my sights set on a career in Public Relations, I didn’t always believe
communication was my calling. The earlier parts of my life included caring for my siblings. I
thought I was meant to be a caretaker, so I looked into nursing.

However, a vital aspect of my identity includes literature. From a young age, I found that,
outside of my caretaker role, reading was a way for me to get lost in the art of storytelling and
my love for writing helped me through challenging times in my life.
I’ve always written but it was when I attended Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 that I started writing about
my life. At that time, I was struggling with my identity and so I began writing about being
biracial and how I found it difficult to find a community

After receiving encouragement from my teachers, I began submitting my stories. My piece,
“Love Isn’t Skin Color,” was my first published prose piece and received an honorable mention
at the Carnegie Mellon University Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Awards. I then went on to be
published in an anthology titled “TENDER: A Literary Anthology & Book of Spells: Evidence.”
During my high school years, I submitted over 20 stories and received numerous awards and
honorable mentions. It was the first time I realized there’s power in words, stories and
experiences.

When I finished high school, I looked back at everything I wrote and felt proud. In the
beginning, I denied myself this huge part of myself. I was told writing was a silly career and that

I should do what I know. But I didn’t want to deny myself the pleasure of writing professionally
and I’m so glad I didn’t.

How has your experience of being biracial influenced your writing and storytelling?
Being biracial has blossomed into a beautiful thing; I am not ashamed of who I am. Yes, I am
biracial, but I’m also Aaliyah—a writer, a reader, an avid lover of nature. Who I am only makes
me more unique and aids in my ability to communicate across a range of different publics. My
background allows me to understand and empathize with a variety of perspectives, which aids in
my storytelling and helps me connect with people from different walks of life on a deeper level.

What are you looking forward to while working for PRSA Pittsburgh?
I first want to say, I am so excited to be a part of PRSA Pittsburgh. I am excited to share my
perspective and learn as much as I can. I’m looking forward to honing my writing skills and
discovering where in Public Relations I can find a home. There are so many fields and different
niches and I’m hoping with this internship, I can find a place where my skill sets and lived
experiences will make a difference for an organization.

How PRSA Pittsburgh is Helping Usher in a WAVE of Hope Through its Public Service Project

/0 Comments/in /by

The partnership between PRSA Pittsburgh Public Service Committee and Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment (WAVE) represents a powerful collaboration dedicated to uplifting and empowering at-risk individuals in low-income communities. As a respected nonprofit, WAVE has made significant strides in promoting housing and economic stability, guided by its founder’s personal and professional experiences, Charlise Smith. Recognizing WAVE’s vital work, PRSA Pittsburgh has selected the organization as this year’s pro-bono sponsorship recipient.

Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment (WAVE) is an accredited Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counseling Agency, committed to transforming lives by fostering resilience and well-being through targeted counseling and education. By promoting housing and economic stability for at-risk individuals in low-income communities, WAVE empowers them with skills, problem-solving strategies, and wealth-building opportunities, helping them overcome years of economic hardship and trauma. 

Founded by Executive Director Charlise Smith, WAVE draws deep inspiration from Smith’s personal experiences with trauma, including the tragic murder of her mother and her own assault. WAVE reflects Smith’s recovery journey, dedicated to helping others affected by trauma reclaim their lives with strength and dignity, mirroring her own path. 

With a lifelong background in the real estate industry, Charlise sought to bring her expertise to the nonprofit sector in response to her trauma. In 2016, she established Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment, naming it in honor of her mother. As a grassroots organization, WAVE’s mission is to create housing and economic stability for at-risk individuals in low-income communities. One of the few nonprofits offering these critical services, WAVE has secured significant grants, participated in housing conferences, and collaborated with like-minded local organizations. 

Due to the growth and success WAVE has experienced over its eight years, the organization has acquired a new building to accommodate the expansion of its services. 

In recognition of Charlise’s dedication to her community, the PRSA Pittsburgh Public Service Committee has chosen WAVE as this year’s pro-bono sponsorship recipient. The committee will support WAVE by planning and executing a communications campaign for the official launch and public opening of WAVE’s new office building.. 

The grand reopening of WAVE’s new office will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an informational event, during which local community members will learn about WAVE’s mission and services.

“Our partnership with the public service organization has been a tremendous blessing,” Smith stated. “We deeply appreciate the professional promotional support we receive, which enhances our ability to make a significant impact.”

The PRSA Pittsburgh Public Service Project is an annual initiative with goals of supporting local nonprofits and providing hands-on experience to its members.If you are interested in joining the 2024 public service committee, email Public Service Chair Jocelyn Buhite at jocelynbuhite@gmail.com. To learn more about its efforts to empower individuals through housing and economic stability, visit WAVE’s website.

PRSA PGH 2024 Strategic Goals and Objectives

/0 Comments/in , /by
Each year, the PRSA Pittsburgh board develops a strategic plan to guide our communications, programming, and member services. The pandemic and the resulting recovery have fundamentally changed people’s working relationships, both with their employers and their extracurricular activities like PRSA. This is a new reality that PRSA PGH continues to adapt to with varying degrees of success. In 2024, we will apply the lessons learned over the last four years and focus on embracing these new relationships, opportunities, and expectations. This year, we will focus on the following goals and objectives:

Goal 1: Increase interest and engagement within the PRSA PGH Board 

  1. Update Board member value proposition, improving Board member retention and encouraging new volunteers.
  2. Revise Board succession plan and Nomination Committee process.

Goal 2: Improve the integration between communications, sponsorship and programming to drive increased attendance and engagement with PRSA PGH events. 

  1. Create and distribute at least 10 monthly newsletters to membership.
  2. Optimize Mailchimp distribution lists and send more targeted communications to specific groups (e.g., young professionals, APRs, agency employees, etc.).
  3. Develop and distribute a programming calendar by the end of February.
  4. Increase promotional efforts for events by creating event-specific integrated promo plans.
  5. Secure sponsors for at least 50% of our events.

Goal 3: Diversify PRSA PGH membership. 

  1. Increase awareness and membership inquiries from PR practitioners at national brands, universities, and other under-represented organizations in the area through the use of paid media and targeted outreach.
  2. Establish a baseline member conversion rate of PRSSA-PRSA chapter members.
  3. Increase the number of followers/fans/subscribers by 15% over last year (website, newsletter, social media).
  4. Create a member referral program.
  5. Increase promotion and advocacy efforts for diversity-related initiatives (e.g., Black Excellence Scholarship, panels and events, etc.)

Almost Irresponsible

/0 Comments/in /by

by Charlene Payne, PRSA Pittsburgh Diversity & Inclusion Chair


“I find it almost irresponsible to not work with a DEI consultant when you are in a pitch or when you are developing work,” said Frauenglass. “The consultants widened our view.” 

— WSJ, Coffee, Patrick, 9/25/23

This statement deserves two hands up and an “amen!” Unfortunately, there are several organizations that don’t feel this way. Why does it seem so difficult to provide equity to underrepresented populations? We are all responsible for offering a more level playing field to all populations. But for some reason diversity, equity, and inclusion are still prominent pain points.

  • “In employment, names can influence employment opportunities. A Harvard study found job candidates were more likely to get an interview when they “whitened” their name. Only 10% of black candidates got interview offers when their race could be implied by their resume, but 25% got offers when their resumes were whitened. And 21% of Asian candidates got interview offers with whitened resumes, up from 11.5%.” (The Conversation, 2023).
  • The American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom reported 695 attempts to censor library materials and 1,915 unique titles targeted for censorship – a 20% increase since 2022 (an all-time high since ALA’s recording of attempts over 20 years ago). “The vast majority of challenges were to books written by or about a person of color or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community” (American Library Association, 2023).
  • In June 2023, “In a 6–3 ruling,1 the Court held that Harvard and UNC admissions programs, which account for race at various stages in the process, violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (the UNC/Harvard decision)” (U.S. Department of Education, 2023).
  • The Legal Defense Fund is analyzing the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Student for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina decisions and its effect on corporate DEI programs. The management term “glocal,” explains the need for global application and practice with local transformation. (Harvard Business Review, 2022).
  • A Brandeis University study for Economic and Racial Equity found the GI Bill enriched the lives of White Americans far more than Black Americans. This limits the opportunities for Black Americans to socially advance. (The Washington Post, 2022). The Washington Post shares, “Veterans pushed out for being gay are still waiting for VA benefits.”
  • The Business Disability Form stated that “…78% of disabled employees reported having to drive the adjustments process themselves rather than their managers taking the initiative (Forbes Magazine, 2023).

Biases and discrimination is everywhere. The evidence is there. Let’s continue to get the work done!

How PRSA Pittsburgh is Celebrating 25 Years of Reused Materials with Construction Junction

/0 Comments/in /by

by Neha Murthy, PRSA Pittsburgh public service committee member

Construction Junction is the largest and coolest reuse nonprofit in the Pittsburgh region.

Every year as part of its public service initiative, PRSA Pittsburgh looks forward to giving back to its community. After carefully reviewing proposals from various nonprofits from the southwestern region, our chapter is happy to announce its pro bono partnership with Construction Junction for 2023. 

Construction Junction is a local nonprofit that champions the concept of a “circular economy” by promoting conservation through reuse of building materials catering to enthusiasts, donors, and shoppers alike. Homeowners, builders, DIY-ers and reuse supporters can find Construction Junction’s storefront in Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood. 

Through this year’s public service partnership, PRSA Pittsburgh will work with Construction Junction to develop a communications plan to creatively replay 25 years of Construction Junction’s history and reintroduce it to Pittsburgh through its 25th anniversary next year. The communication efforts will focus on creating awareness across all stakeholders and the local community to help CJ attract donations and footfalls.

Construction Junction plans to celebrate this momentous milestone beginning in January 2024 and culminating with an event on November 12, 2024. PRSA Pittsburgh will also help create buzz around the much-loved annual fundraiser (also happening for the last time this year), Steel City Big Pour, slated for Saturday, October 7, 2023. Big Pour is a fun event, featuring some of the finest foods and craft beers from the Pittsburgh region, and live art by local artists. 

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed or removed from production.”– Pete Seeger, Folk Singer & Social Activist. 

This quote perfectly describes the phenomenal work done by Construction Junction. The company was founded in 1999 by Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) to serve the Pittsburgh region as a facility for collecting second-hand materials destined for landfills and then making them available for sale to the public. 

The nonprofit focuses its efforts on creating awareness of the importance of transitioning from a world focused on demolishing and disposing to a world where disassembling, adapting and repurposing are the norms. 

Construction Junction collects material donations in three ways – 15% deconstruction projects, 40% material drop-offs and 45% pick-up services. These are then recycled, refurbished and displayed for sale at its 30,000+ square foot retail store. The outlet features a large collection of furnishings, appliances, home renovation and garden materials, tools, hardware, and other unique finds. If lucky, one could end up finding deconstructed vintage and antique items. And the best part is that these materials only cost a fraction of the cost of new ones. 

The nonprofit is a proud member of Build Reuse, the premier national organization encouraging the recovery, reuse, and recycling of building materials in the United States. As an employer, Construction Junction believes that everyone must be allowed to become a productive member of society – so much so that a whopping 39% of its staff have had some kind of barrier to employment. Construction Junction is a three-time winner of the coveted Goodwill SWPA’s Power of Work award in 2011, 2014 and 2016 and has also won the Legacy award in 2022. 

While recycling construction and demolition debris is growing, reuse in this waste stream is rare and hard to quantify. According to the 2019 City of Pittsburgh Demolition Permits, the quantity of debris is estimated at 81,000 tons, and the projected potential value of building components is over $3.5 million. Construction Junction has been instrumental in keeping building materials worth $27.6 million in active reuse since 1999 and repurposing more than $5.75 million building materials in the Pittsburgh region itself. The nonprofit believes that this is just the tip of the iceberg and is working hard to develop more partnerships to elevate the impact. The Impact Report by Construction Junction offers a comprehensive view of their ground-breaking work. 

PRSA Pittsburgh, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, is one of the few PRSA chapters to offer pro-bono services. In fact, in 2023, PRSA Eastern Central District awarded PRSA Pittsburgh the PRominent Chapter Award for its work in this area. The PRSA Pittsburgh Public Service Project is an annual initiative with goals of supporting local nonprofits and providing hands-on experience to its members. In 2022, the organization partnered with South Hills Interfaith Movement. To learn more or to volunteer for the committee, contact Jocelyn Buhite at jocelynbuhite@gmail.com.

How PR Can Lead by Example to Promote Workplace Wellness for Mental Health

/1 Comment/in /by

by Melissa Reiger, Senior Vice President, Health & Wellness, Red Havas. Original post first appeared in PRNews.

Amid the news of first-term Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman checking himself into the hospital for treatment of clinical depression, mental health is once again at the forefront of discussions. Among the chatter in the past few weeks has been an outpouring of support from both politicians and Americans alike.

But despite the strong support, there remains controversy and miscommunication about what “mental health” truly means—all made murkier in the world of politics by uncertainty with recent claims of there being “no contingency plan” pending the Senator’s recovery.

Communications’ Role in Mental Health

As communicators, we’re cautious by nature to rally behind politics and controversial topics. Just like mental health can’t be placed into a one-size-fits-all bucket, each person, and each situation, is unique. The topic of mental health transcends politics…and how it should be addressed needs to be normalized.

At the same time, sharing mental health struggles can be daunting for PR professionals at all levels—let alone for those in a leadership position. But it’s time for more people to get vulnerable. While being an advocate and an ally is something that is, and always will be, greatly needed, there is something very inspiring about a leader who is willing to open up and share something that resonates with the broader team.

Here are four tips to help PR professionals lead by example when it comes to promoting mental health and wellness.

Normalize that Mental Health IS Health

Have you ever been personally impacted by anxiety or depression? Have you lost (or almost lost) a loved one to suicide? Do you know anyone who has? Is one of your loved ones struggling with a mental health issue? Chances are, you answered yes to at least one of these questions. That’s because mental health is relevant to everyone.

While research has shown that one in four adults will report a mental health condition at some point in his or her life, additional research by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and Opinium shows that PR professionals are even more greatly impacted.

An astronomical 90% of those in PR said they experienced mental health issues to some extent in 2021. Beyond this:

  • 67% of PR pros said an overwhelming workload was a key source of their stress.
  • 61% said they felt guilty for taking time off of work due to mental health.
  • 40% of those experiencing mental health issues did not tell anyone at work about it.
  • 25% who did speak up did not find their workplace to be understanding and supportive.

Mental health issues are experienced from the top down, with CEOs and top leaders in all fields impacted. One study revealed that 49% of CEOs struggle with mental health—reporting that they are overworked, fatigued and suffering from continual stress.

Talk the Talk

As part of the normalization process, PR professionals and communicators should “talk the talk” when it comes to promoting a safe environment for mental health and fitness. Whether or not you personally struggle from a mental health issue, it’s important to make sure that all team members understand that you—and your company—stand behind the mental health and wellbeing of the entire workforce.

Nine out of 10 PR professionals have experienced mental health issues in the past year. Mental health is not only a topic that should be discussed openly, but also one that should be treated as a priority. As the saying “it’s okay to not be okay” becomes more commonplace, PR professionals will start to become more comfortable acknowledging their own needs and addressing concerns before they become a larger issue.

Many people are lucky to have access to an “inner circle” of family members and friends with whom they can discuss their mental health issues—but some still struggle or don’t feel comfortable opening up about certain issues. While a manager or colleague may never make that “inner circle,” by showing support, he or she can go a long way in gaining trust and ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of the overall team.

Walk the Walk

PR professionals and companies can promote mental health and wellness in a number of ways—starting with encouraging employees to take time off if they need it.

Companies can also provide access to a positive, safe and private space so that team members feel they can get the help they need without feeling discriminated against.

Red Havas works hard to ensure a “life-work balance” among team members. We offer a wide range of initiatives, including flexible hours and time off—including a “REDjuvination hour” that employees can take and bill to a job code weekly; bonus summer and PTO days; paid sabbaticals for anniversary milestones; and access to digital resources, such as the Headspace app for all employees.

Get Vulnerable

As PR professionals, our primary role is communicating…yet why are 40% of those struggling with mental health not talking about it in the workplace? Messages from the top can go a long way in reinforcing that it is okay to take a step back and prioritize mental health.

That said, leading by example can be intimidating for many top executives. The message shift that needs to happen is that vulnerability should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather as a sign of strength. No single person is perfect and getting vulnerable can be a way to improve connections and confidence among team members.

Supporting a long list of celebrities who are talking more about their mental health struggles—from Jewel to Maria Carey—more CEOs are also starting to step up and share their stories.

When it comes to promoting mental health and wellbeing in the PR profession, companies that take just a few small steps can make a huge difference in boosting health, productivity and even company loyalty.