Bonnie Heneson Communications Selected to Lead Opioid-Awareness Campaign

Bonnie Heneson Communications, a full-service marketing communications firm headquartered in Owings Mills, was selected by the Calvert County Health Department’s Division of Behavioral Health to lead a public information campaign warning Calvert County residents of the dangers of misusing prescription pain medication, which can lead to opiate abuse.

Bonnie Heneson Communications, which specializes in health care marketing, will use original billboard, radio, cable and movie theater advertising, fliers and posters, social media and media editorial to present campaign messages. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provided funding for the effort.

“We’ve served hospitals, health systems, doctors groups and nonprofit community organizations for 25 years, and we’re thrilled to use our knowledge and experience to share such an important message in Calvert County,” said Kyri Jacobs, executive vice president of Bonnie Heneson Communications.

Bonnie Heneson Communications’ health care clients include Howard County General Hospital, Doctors Regional Cancer Center, Maryland Dental Action Coalition and Unified Community Connections.

The Calvert County Health Department seeks to promote and protect the health of county residents by preventing illness and eliminating hazards to health. As an agent of both the state and county governments, the department enforces health laws, particularly addressing sanitation and communicable diseases, as well as provides health services to individuals and the community at large.

“The opiate problem in Calvert County is similar to the issues across the state and country,” said Julie Mulligan, prevention coordinator for Calvert Substance Abuse Services. “Most users begin with a legitimate pain prescription for an injury or surgical procedure but may switch to heroin because it’s less expensive, easier to obtain and elicits a similar high.”