Copyright Bangor Daily News
“If it does not move someone closer to help, we are not done.” LEWISTON – Rinck Advertising is being recognized on the national stage for its results-driven approach to public health outreach. The agency’s recent award wins and upcoming presentation at the American Public Health Association annual meeting demonstrate growing change in how communities receive and respond to health information and an eagerness to share best practices to help more people. On Nov. 4 Laura Rinck, co-founder and CEO, presented to public health leaders at APHA’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Her session “Driving Behavior Change Through Influencer Marketing in Public Health” detailed strategies that make communications actionable, measurable and grounded in empathy. Rinck Advertising is hoping to help shape how public health communications evolve nationwide, driven by their experience in driving public health campaigns in Maine and Vermont and a simple belief: public health communications should do more than raise awareness; they should make a difference in a person’s life. “Public health communications must do more than educate. They need to help real people take real steps toward help,” said Rinck. “Trust is earned when people feel understood. Our job is to remove barriers, listen to communities, and support decisions that protect health and save lives.” Rinck works closely with state agencies, healthcare organizations and nonprofits to ensure campaigns feel human. That work starts with listening to real communities, understanding what gets in the way of seeking support, and partnering with trusted messengers who share relatable stories. This includes working with influencers on social media to share authentic stories that can sometimes resonate stronger than traditional brand-to-public audience outreach. Across issues like tobacco and nicotine cessation, mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Rinck designs outreach that meets people where they are and helps them take the next step. Rinck’s approach has been backed up by measurable outcomes and industry acknowledgment. In 2025, Rinck earned top honors for its public health campaigns, highlighted by a PRSA Silver Anvil win and multiple awards from the Davey Awards, Hermes Creative Awards, PRClub Bell Ringer Awards, and Maine Public Relations Council Golden Arrow Awards programs. Campaigns like Here to Help Maine and Filter Out the Noise, Sipping Point, and Don’t Get Side Effected were recognized for their creativity and for the powerful connections they made with people seeking support in uncertain times. These awards honor the agency’s skill in sparking meaningful conversations, clarifying complex or sensitive topics, and inspiring choices that protect health and save lives. “Every decision we make begins with one question: does this message bring someone closer to help? If the answer isn’t a clear yes, we keep refining the work,” said Nikki Jarvais, SVP, group account director. Rinck will continue building on this momentum by advancing behavioral change practices that address public health and sharing these practices with state agencies throughout the United States.
