Environment Canada – The World's first Air Quality Health Index

Strategic Planning:

Environment Canada and Health Canada have developed the world's first Air Quality Health Index that provides local real-time air quality in relation to its affect on health.  They first hired Communication Solutions in 2005 to pilot the first public presentation of this Index in communities within British Columbia.  We developed a website (www.airhealthbc.ca) to present the Index, gather information and opinion from users and support an integrated communications program designed to share this new Index with people who were at greatest risk to their health from air pollution. 

Creative Solutions: 

Bringing together numerous agencies responsible for air quality reporting as well as health and environment education and awareness,  Communication Solutions developed and implemented an outreach program to introduce the AQHI to the public through liaison with healthcare "champions", radio and print advertising, and e-marketing.

Tangible Results: 

The success of the AQHI outreach program in BC has paved the way for an expanded program within British Columbia and the introduction of the AQHI in other jurisdictions across Canada -- beginning with the Greater Toronto Area in summer 2008.  Communication Solutions has been contracted once again to lead an outreach and media program in BC that will see radio, television, print and transit shelter advertising, e-marketing, health care provider orientation as well as public education and awareness support from health authorities, health care associations and health and environment not-for-profit groups across the province until Summer 2009. 

Communication Solutions work to introduce the AQHI to British Columbians was honoured with an international Gold Quill Award of Excellence in Electronic and Digital Communication in April 2006 from the International Association of Business Communicators as well as a 2007 Excellence in Health Promotion Award from the British Columbia Medical Association.

In the words of Environment Canada Ottawa, “Communication Solutions' work is unparalleled.  You people are real drivers and it has been a pleasure to work with you.”

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