The Queen Anne’s County Department of Health, Nielsen Center has won a Gold Aster Award for its anti-stigma campaign, “Don’t Label Us.”

The national award recognizes the most talented healthcare marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising, marketing, and communications. Created by local agency Soul Candy Media, the campaign titled, “Don’t Label Us,” highlighted the benefits of using Medication-Assisted Treatment to manage opioid use disorder. Maggie Thomas, QACDOH Director of Addiction and Prevention Services and Local Addictions Authority, worked closely with Kelley Callaghan, owner of Soul Candy Media, on the project.

“This campaign is just another example of the innovative ideas that Maggie has brought to the Health Department leadership team,” said Queen Anne’s County Health Officer Dr. Joseph Ciotola. “Her creative solutions and partnerships have improved the health and well-being of Queen Anne’s County residents.”

According to a County press release:

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Health, Nielsen Center is the substance abuse division of the health department that focuses on prevention, wellness, and recovery. Thomas leads a dedicated team that focuses on innovative approaches to substance use disorder, with community-based programs that take a whole health approach to recovery and prevention.

Funded in part by the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center, SAMHSA, and the Maryland Department of Health, the campaign included a website (dontlabelus.org), materials, and highly targeted ads across multiple platforms.

Read the full press release to learn more about the achievement.
Learn about the Aster Awards.