Block the Pox

When Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) was declared a public health emergency, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services tasked us with creating an online campaign to raise awareness of the virus. We focused on education around how the virus is spread, prevention best practices and testing within two key audiences identified by our client – LGBTQ+ and persons experiencing homelessness in Nevada.

We developed key campaign messaging and eye-catching visuals that embraced the younger and vibrant personality of our primary audience. Block the Pox was born as means to put the negative focus on the virus as the ‘villain’, rather than the people who catch it. A playful catchphrase – “Going viral isn’t always good” – embraces the nature of a younger, digitally-savvy audience and cheeky internet humor.

We teamed up with our social media team to identify Nevada-based influencers (such as Derrick Barry and Grace Hayes) to spread the message via TikTok and Instagram. A vibrant landing page was developed where the audience could learn more about mpox and available resources. Additionally, DHHS partnered with local health agencies in Reno and Las Vegas to conduct free clinics for unhoused populations. “Block the pox” posters were developed to advertise these clinics, as well as one sheet informational flyers that local health agencies could handout to spread awareness.

Project created while employed at KPS3, Reno NV.