The HPV Vaccine Project is a collaborative public health effort that aims to prevent cervical cancer by increasing HPV vaccination among adolescent girls in a thirteen-county region in south central North Carolina. This project is the product of a research and practice partnership between the South Central Partnership for Public Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the North Carolina Division of Public Health, and several local and regional partners.
The HPV Vaccine Project includes a pilot health communication campaign in Cumberland, Harnett, Richmond, and Robeson counties to educate mothers about the HPV vaccine and how to get it for their daughters. It also involves an education and outreach component for medical practices in these four counties. Using project posters, brochures, a web site, and other outreach materials in English and Spanish, the HPV vaccine campaign staff and partners reached out to mothers of adolescent girls to educate them on cervical cancer, HPV, the HPV vaccine, and how to access it for their daughters. The campaign also reached out to medical practices to encourage them to: (1) promote the HPV Vaccine Project, (2) have conversations with parents about HPV vaccination, and (3) help clarify access to the HPV vaccine for their patients.
By better educating parents and improving access to the HPV vaccine, we can help reduce girls’ risk of infection with HPV and help prevent most cervical cancers. Visit the project online at www.HPVvaccineproject.org
Client & Partner Feedback
Throughout Heather's involvement, the project was well organized: students and faculty identified; focus groups conducted; providers and care networks engaged; media involved; multi-language messages developed and distributed - all within a set budget and a very limited timeline. She ensured that all the parties involved stayed very informed as to all activities. I whole-heartedly recommend her involvement in planning, implementing and evaluating projects."
- William (Bill) Smith, Director, Robeson County Department of Public Health
Heather was a terrific project manager on the South Central Partnership's social marketing campaign to inform mothers about the HPV vaccine for their daughters. She led a diverse group of public health, academic and community collaborators through many decisions about the campaign and managed myriad details with skill and insight."
- Joan Cates, Lecturer, UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication
I had the privelege of working with Heather during the HPV vaccination project, and found her to be professional, innovative, and passionate about the field of health. I am thankful for the take-charge attitude, creativity, and project management she provided. In addition, she possess the rare skill of being able to communicate her ideas effectively and to bring community partners together efficiently. Due to her dynamic leadership, the HPV vaccination project was developed and implemented within a very short timeframe and limited budget."
- Amanda Dayton, Adolescent Vaccine Coordinator for the NC Immunization Branch
Heather's ability to synthesize, incorporate and provide feedback from multiple project partners in a timely manner was key to our meeting the design objectives and challenging timeline."
- Kay Michaels, Project Manager, People Designs