Raising Awareness for Iowa's Maternal Healthcare Crisis

Iowa continues to face a growing shortage of OB/GYN physicians, placing increased pressure on hospitals, providers, and expectant families across the state. Iowa ACOG recognized the need to elevate public awareness and encourage meaningful conversations around maternal healthcare.

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Black Tie Creatives partnered with Iowa ACOG to develop Bump for the Bump, a statewide advocacy campaign designed to educate the public, amplify physician voices, and encourage civic engagement through clear, approachable messaging.

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Rather than focusing on politics, the campaign centered on the future of maternal healthcare in Iowa and the importance of ensuring women have access to quality care close to home.

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The Challenge

Maternal healthcare shortages are complex and often difficult to communicate to the general public.

The campaign needed to:

• Simplify healthcare policy into relatable messaging.
• Build awareness among Iowans who were unfamiliar with the issue.
• Encourage physicians, patients, and community members to participate in advocacy efforts.
• Create a recognizable campaign identity that could be deployed across digital, print, events, and legislative outreach.

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Campaign Strategy

Black Tie developed a comprehensive campaign identity that could adapt across multiple communication channels while remaining instantly recognizable.

Our work included:

• Campaign branding and identity
• Creative strategy
• Messaging development
• Social media content
• Website design and development
• Digital advertising
• Educational graphics
• Print collateral
• Event materials
• Presentation design
• Photography and creative direction
• Analytics and campaign reporting

Every asset was designed to make complex information more approachable while encouraging audiences to learn more and become involved.

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Reaching the Community

The campaign extended well beyond social media.

Creative assets supported:

• Legislative advocacy
• Community presentations
• Physician engagement
• Educational events
• Digital awareness campaigns
• Media outreach
• Grassroots communication

This integrated approach ensured consistent messaging regardless of where audiences encountered the campaign.

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Results

The campaign generated measurable awareness and engagement across Iowa.

Highlights included:

• Audience growth to more than 2,500 followers
• Increased physician and member engagement
• Expanded public awareness surrounding Iowa's OB/GYN shortage
• Encouraged bipartisan constituent outreach to legislators
• Statewide recognition among healthcare organizations

Most importantly, the campaign helped transform a complex healthcare issue into a conversation that resonated with physicians, patients, and communities across Iowa.

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Industry Recognition

The impact of Bump for the Bump was recognized both regionally and nationally.

Awards include:

• ADAI Award of Excellence for Design for Social Impact
• ADAI Judges Choice Award
• ACOG Council of District Chairs Service Recognition Award

The national recognition honored Iowa ACOG's innovative advocacy, leadership, and public outreach efforts, demonstrating how thoughtful creative strategy can strengthen awareness around important public health issues.