Portfolio: Southwest Behavioral Health, Inc.
Worked in collaboration with Michael Harris Group as the strategic partner overseeing public relations and crisis communications for a nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider from 2002 through 2016. During those years, the focus was on promoting the agency’s homeless outreach programs, its commitment to serving seriously mentally ill (SMI) populations. In addition to generating local media coverage, Burchfield & Wolin also generated coverage for the agency’s bullying programs, the FAST program for school-aged children in underserved populations, and outpatient programs that the agency launched in seven Northern Arizona cities.
Public Relations and Crisis Communications have provided Southwest Behavioral Health with more than 500 local, regional and national/international press appearances of significant size. The company has also benefitted from media coaching, spokesperson training, and a series of awards of size for its many great people and their tireless commitment to those they serve.
Over the 14-year relationship, Burchfield & Wolin was responsible for garnering national coverage in both National Public Radio and Associated Press nationally for the agency’s Project for Assistance Transitioning from Homelessness (PATH) program. We were responsible for nominating employees for Healthcare Hero awards from the Phoenix Business Journal (which were twice received), and national awards recognizing excellence in behavioral health research.
During BWPR’s tenure, SBH’s children’s’ programs were widely featured on local television, in local media, including magazines, regional newspapers and in a major area newspaper. Articles seeking donations and contributions resulted in contributions for indigent populations of more than 30,000 water bottles, furniture for those transitioning to independent living and monetary donations. Company executives appeared on numerous television and radio shows on topics dealing with mental health issues. Articles promoting new hires and SBH activities were routinely published in business, local news and industry trade publications.