Index -> Case Study -> Hospital Creates First Aid Awareness for Kids

Client

St. Joseph Hospital located in the downtown section of Memphis.

Objective

To create awareness in children about first aid measures. By involving children in the first aid project, hospital management hoped to educate them about preventive medicine, and draw attention to emergency first aid telephone numbers. The program would also help get the hospital's name into households and generate referrals.

Item

30,000 Vinyl Custom Decals. Each 8 7/8" x 11" sheet was printed with red copy and illustrations, and contained a variety of removable decals that could be used to build a first aid kit. A write-on surface was printed on several of the small decals so each child's kit could be personalized with his or her name, mother's or father's number at work, as well as the name and number of the family physician. The hospital decided to forego corporate colors and print a bright cheery sheet that would not only appeal to kids, but be easily recognizable.

Distribution

A packet containing a cover letter and 25-30 decal sheets was mailed to area teachers for distribution to students. Hospital workers who went to schools and made first aid presentations would also distribute sheets to students. Their main target was first through fourth grade.

Decals were also given to youngsters who were patients at the hospital.

Results

The program has received very positive responses from the community. According to the buyer, the decal sheets helped put first aid kits in homes that didn't have one. Children also learned to go to the box for first aid and emergency situations. A hospital spokesman received reports that children would take baby sitters or grandparents to the first aid box for emergency numbers.

By getting the hospital's name into homes, the program also helped generate a number of referrals. If a household didn't have a family physician, they called the hospital to get the name of one. Although the program was not underwritten by any local businesses, the decal sheet did include the names of businesses which, along with St. Joseph, regularly sponsor "Kids Count" programs featured on a local television station.