Inland Empire Health Plan Triumphs with National Awards for Youth Mental Health Campaign

In a remarkable achievement, the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has garnered national recognition at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 2026 Anvil Awards held on May 14 in New York City. Winning both a Bronze Anvil Award for Media Relations, Government, and an Award of Excellence for Influencer Marketing, Macro-Influencer, the "Start the Conversation" campaign is a pioneering effort in promoting youth mental health awareness.

This is the first instance where a local health plan in California has achieved such prestigious national honors, marking a significant milestone for IEHP. Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Michelle Rai, expressed pride in representing the Inland Empire on a national stage and highlighted the campaign's intention to educate and inspire young individuals facing mental health challenges. The heartfelt ambition of the campaign is to engender courage, vulnerability, and hope among youth, ensuring that their voices are heard.

Developed in collaboration with the public relations firm Meehan Business Advisers, the year-long campaign featured multiple facets including powerful social media videos, vibrant community events, local high school partnerships, public service announcements, and extensive media engagements. A noteworthy highlight was the involvement of 2024 "American Idol" winner and former IEHP member, Abi Carter, who brought additional visibility to the initiative.

Andrew Meehan, president of Meehan Business Advisers, praised the collaborative effort, stating that the success of the campaign was made possible through IEHP's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment toward breaking the stigma associated with youth mental health. The campaign resonated deeply within the community, inspiring many to engage in essential conversations surrounding mental health.

Before achieving national acclaim at the Anvil Awards, the "Start the Conversation" campaign was also recognized at PRSA's Western District Conference earlier in February, where it was awarded the title of "Best in the West." IEHP's accomplishments during the 2025 award season are further highlighted by five additional awards, including the prestigious "Best in Show" at the PRism Awards by the PRSA - Los Angeles chapter.

The PRSA is the largest professional public relations association in the United States, boasting over 30,000 members and 400 chapters across the nation. To learn about more initiatives by PRSA, one can visit their official website at www.prsa.org.

For further resources on starting conversations about mental health, IEHP encourages individuals to visit www.iehp.org/mentalhealth. As one of the largest not-for-profit public health plans in the nation and the top five Medicaid health plans, IEHP serves approximately 1.4 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The organization is committed to inspiring hope and healing in its community.

Founded in 1996, IEHP boasts an extensive network of quality healthcare providers and a dedicated team of nearly 3,800 members. Their mission focuses on ensuring that every individual in their community has access to optimal care and vibrant health. For more information about IEHP, visit their website at iehp.org.