#United States #mental health #Rancho Cucamonga #Award Winning #Inland Empire Health Plan

Inland Empire Health Plan Triumphs with 'Best in the West' Award

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has made headlines with its impactful campaign, 'Start the Conversation,' which has recently won the prestigious Best in the West award at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Western District Conference held on February 4, 2026. This accolade celebrates the creative communication efforts of PRSA members spanning 11 chapters across five states, showcasing the importance of mental health awareness.

The 'Start the Conversation' initiative stands as more than just a campaign; it embodies a movement aimed at destigmatizing mental health discussions within the community. Collaborating closely with Meehan Business Advisers, IEHP developed a multi-channel strategy that featured the charismatic 2024 'American Idol' winner and Inland Empire native, Abi Carter. Carter's involvement was pivotal, as her passion for mental health advocacy resonated throughout the campaign’s messaging.

The campaign harnessed various platforms, including a public service announcement video, a starring role for Carter at the Kidchella music festival organized by the Palm Springs Unified School District, and a myriad of engaging social media initiatives. One standout moment included Carter delivering a heartfelt graduation speech combined with a musical performance at Palm Springs High School, further cementing her connection with the audience and cause.

"This initiative was more than just a campaign—it was a movement," shared Michelle Rai, the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at IEHP. She emphasized that engaging with a local musician who had grown up within the community added a layer of relatability that was crucial for the initiative’s success. "We aimed for our community to recognize that seeking help is vital and that they need not endure their struggles in silence."

Andrew Meehan, President of Meehan Business Advisers, echoed Rai’s sentiments, calling the partnership with IEHP a transformative experience in spreading hope and awareness about mental health to local youth. His perspective reflects the collective impact of their collaboration in fostering an environment where discussions around mental health can thrive.

In addition to the Best in the West honor, the campaign has garnered recognition through multiple awards from the PRSA-LA, including:

• - PRism Best in Show (October 2025)
• - PRism Health Care Media Relations (October 2025)
• - PRism Branded Content (October 2025)
• - PRism Influencer Marketing (October 2025)
• - Capella Campaigns – Public Relations (November 2025)

The Public Relations Society of America is recognized as the country’s largest professional public relations organization, representing over 30,000 members who emphasize training and networking opportunities year-round for public relations professionals.

For those interested in exploring further resources on how to initiate conversations about mental health with loved ones, IEHP has created a dedicated page located at www.iehp.org/mentalhealth. The site provides downloadable tip sheets that offer guidance on how to approach seeking help and reaching out to individuals in crisis.

Inland Empire Health Plan continues to lead as a community-focused health provider, committed to fostering mental health awareness while advocating for those in need. As one of the largest Medicaid health plans in the United States, IEHP serves more than 1.4 million residents of Riverside and San Bernardino County, ensuring access to quality healthcare through an extensive network of dedicated professionals. For more information about their services and ongoing initiatives, visit www.iehp.org.