Chicago House is an innovative and solution oriented power-house when it comes to creative alternatives for community outreach during a pandemic. A long-time client of HealthMerch, Chicago House, like many community based organizations around the country, was dealt a massive blow when Chicago formally issued a stay at home order in March 2020. By pulling their team together, reaching out to their community partners, and getting a little crafty, Chicago House was able to revolutionize their outreach efforts and increase HIV testing during Chicago’s spring quarantine.

Background: Pre-Pandemic Success with Promotional Products
Chicago House began integrating promotional products into their outreach and marketing strategy as a way to generate brand awareness within their community. They utilized promotional products as a way to get their services and contact information out during tabling events like fairs, parades, conferences and other community based events. Some of their most successful promotional products at in-person events were the customizable pull string bag, lip balm, sunscreen carabiner, and of course pre-designed, customizable stickers like this Juntos PrEParados sticker. 

Promotional products also allowed them not only to get their brand and services out into the community but also gave them an opportunity to incentivize new and existing clients to take advantage of their services. HealthMerch and ChicagoHouse worked together to add a new line of custom premium products to strategy. Some of these additions included custom fanny packs, snap fans, custom hand sanitizer, hats and more. When clients would come in to get tested, they’d receive a premium item to take home with them. This also helped to reinforce a friendly familiarity between the client and the organization and also contributed to more frequent communication even after the initial visit.

As Covid-19 safety measures forced closures and increased calls for strict health and safety measures, Chicago House was forced to temporarily halt their community outreach efforts. The team at Chicago House knew that they couldn’t keep operations suspended for long and kicked up calls for at home testing. With clients and the entire community now at home, Chicago House decided to go to where their community was - online. 

Chicago House HIV SupportText Messaging Service
Chicago House established a text messaging system with a dedicated responder to keep conversations open with their community. Clients who were in need of a test or simply wanted to learn more about PrEP and how to get support could text the phone number to talk to a real person. Personalizing the experience while also keeping the conversation local and 100% confidential is essential to creating trust within the community, according to Chicago House. They were able to generate awareness of the text messaging system through posts on social media and word of mouth. However, they were aware that the message was only getting to the inner-circle of the community so they decided to expand their reach with a larger, virtual event.

Creating A Virtual Community Event That ACTUALLY Works
As we have all come to realize during Covid restrictions, you can’t just host a Zoom event and expect people to show up and if they do, it’s tough to keep them engaged. Chicago House kept this in mind while they were planning. Their audience is young, savvy with technology and itching to get out of their house, and back into the clubs and bars of Chicago. So Chicago House, partnered with a local club, DJ, and entertainment to bring a live virtual party atmosphere to the community. To say that the event was a success is an understatement. The Chicago House team kicked off planning for this event with one primary goal in mind, to link patients to care. Through equal promotion of the event from the venue, from the participating artists and from Chicago House, the event saw an incredible amount of attendees. The script for the event included many mentioned of Chicago Houses’ services and proceeds from tickets to the event went back to their organization. 

Following the event, Chicago House had a big undertaking to get connected with event attendees that reached out on social media, through email and through their texting services. They developed new at-home testing kits complete with custom condoms from Say It With A Condom as well as many of the premium items from HealthMerch. Each box was either themed “Prevention” which included information about PrEP or “Pride” which included some of HealthMerch’s favorite Pride themed products. 

After adding these new incentive promotional items to their at-home testing kits, Chicago House reported an uptick from 1-3 screenings per week to 5-8 screenings per week.

HealthMerch is proud to continue working with Chicago House and other community based organizations to create innovative opportunities to link patients to care. Through creative products and ideas, we believe that we can transform the way that we connect our communities to health care for a healthier, more productive society.

About Chicago House

Chicago House is a social service organization that supports individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and the broader LGBTQ community with housing, health, and employment support.

Founded in 1985 during the height of the AIDS crisis, Chicago House initially served as a housing resource, and in most cases a hospice, for those living with HIV/AIDS. Today, the organization empowers people living with or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS through four mission-critical pillars, with the central purpose to lead healthy, dignified lives. Learn more about Chicago House at chicagohouse.org.

About HealthMerch

HealthMerch is an ecommerce company that specializes in connecting healthcare and community to address relevant health concerns. From reproductive and sexual health, to breast cancer, heart disease, and LGBTQ+ health initiatives, we focus solely on the healthcare industry and our specialists are ready to take a deep dive into the unique needs that drive your organization.

We believe that a water bottle can do a lot more than carry a beverage. A tote bag can bring more support than simply holding groceries. With the right creative design, mindful and relevant messaging, and a people-first mentality, we can bring positive health outcomes to our communities. One connection at a time. Equitable community healthcare is our passion and we’re dedicated to discovering new tactics and sharing our expertise with clients. So join us, and let’s create a healthier future, together.

Explore our health-centric designs and products at HealthMerch.com