In the second chapter of our whitepaper series, Futureproofing Your Clinical Trials, we explore the transformative potential of decentralizing clinical trials—conducting research closer to participants’ communities and utilizing remote technologies.
This chapter highlights how decentralization can enhance inclusivity by making clinical research more accessible and equitable. We examine how partnerships with retail chains and using advanced digital tools, such as telehealth and wearable technologies, can help break down barriers, improve recruitment and retention, and expedite the delivery of life-saving treatments.
Washington, D.C. – July 22, 2024 – JPA Health, an independent, full-service agency working exclusively in the health sector, announced the acquisition of London-based akt health, an award-winning communications agency recognized for its work in delivering excellence across public relations, medical education and patient engagement programs.
Key Takeaway
- JPA Health acquires London-based akt health, enhancing European market expertise.
- Combined agency now has nearly 150 employees worldwide, offering expanded services.
“We are delighted to welcome akt health into the growing network at JPA Health,” said Carrie Jones, CEO of JPA Health. “Its accomplished leadership team shares our core values and commitment to exceptional client service. While JPA Health has a strong track record supporting U.S. and global clients, we recognize the increasing importance of the European market to our clients’ businesses. akt’s deep understanding of these market complexities will be a valuable addition, enhancing our ability to deliver impactful healthcare solutions on a global scale.”
Founded in 2018 by Anna Radnavale, Katy Foy and Tim Cockroft, akt health offers a bespoke service to healthcare clients, motivated by a central mission to make the world a healthier place while improving and protecting lives. The team has received global recognition for their work across Diversity & Inclusion Communications, Healthcare PR, Digital and Multichannel Communications.
“At the heart of this integration are shared values and a belief that, together, we can create work that truly transforms lives,” said Tim Cockroft, Executive Director, akt health. “We are hugely excited to be welcomed into the JPA Health family and to bring a new depth of European and UK expertise to this growing team. JPA and akt are both deeply committed to excellence in client service and fostering an agency culture that values its people. Through this alliance, we look forward to offering enhanced capabilities, passion and unrivaled creativity to our clients.”
The acquisition of akt health is JPA’s third transaction following the recent additions of medical communications firm BioCentric, a medical communications agency based in greater Philadelphia and AI-driven strategic solutions consultancy, True North Solutions, based in Cambridge, Mass. Together, JPA Health offers clients an exceptional pool of talent, equipped to meet our current and future clients’ needs across the Life Sciences, Public Health, One Health, and Federal Government sectors.
The akt founders will join JPA Health as Executive Directors, and all akt health employees will become part of JPA Health. The combined agency now has nearly 150 employees worldwide with offices in the U.S. and Europe (UK, Switzerland), offering a synergistic suite of services that includes corporate communications, brand marketing, patient engagement, and scientific storytelling.
JPA Health
JPA Health is an award-winning independent, full-service agency established in 2007. With offices across the U.S. and Europe, the agency seamlessly brings together flexible solutions in public relations, commercial marketing, patient advocacy, and medical communications across the health sector. Leveraging tailored AI solutions, JPA Health crafts seamless, 360-degree omnichannel strategies to engage healthcare stakeholders effectively. As a women-owned and independent agency, we are passionate about helping people live healthier lives and dedicated to pushing the boundaries of healthcare communications. Discover more at www.jpa.com.
akt health – A JPA Health Company
Based in central London, akt health supports clients with UK and EU strategic healthcare communications. Working alongside life science clients, akt health looks to enable Better Health for All by igniting conversation, transforming practice and driving patient engagement. The agency has a particular passion for addressing areas of health inequities through its campaign work and in 2023 was named PR Week UK’s health and pharma agency of the year. Founded in 2018, akt health joined JPA Health in July 2024.
Discover how cutting-edge technology addresses current clinical trial challenges, improving representation, recruitment, enrollment, and implementation for the purpose of optimizing clinical trial planning and execution.
Please provide your information and download the whitepaper.
For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C. – July 1, 2024 — JPA Health, an independent, full-service agency working exclusively in the health sector, today announces the expansion of its leadership team with the strategic appointments of Colleen Carter as Head of Life Sciences and Adam Pawluk as Head of JPA Labs, the agency’s shared services division. These appointments will be effective immediately.
Colleen Carter will lead the rapidly growing Life Sciences division, which covers pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, diagnostics, medtech, and digital health industries. Adam Pawluk, previously JPA’s Chief Client Officer, will now oversee JPA Labs, including creative, digital, earned media, serious games and research solutions.
“We are thrilled to have Colleen join the JPA Health network. Her diverse and valuable expertise will greatly benefit our impressive roster of clients,” said Carrie Jones, CEO of JPA Health. “With her more than 20 years of client-focused global expertise spanning the pharma, diagnostics, device, biotech, and wellness industries, Colleen is a perfect fit for our agency and an invaluable asset as we continue expanding our capabilities globally.”
Colleen most recently worked at Fingerpaint Group, where she served as its first Chief Marketing Officer. In just four years, she supported the evaluation, onboarding, and integration of 10 acquisitions, including targets in medical education, managed care, multicultural, branding and promotion, and global companies. Her commercialization proficiency encompasses more than 50 product and corporate launches, showcasing her ability to create highly effective and successful structures and processes across diverse environments. Colleen’s experience spans across clinical stage milestones, supporting medical affairs and commercial marketing, continuing through product launch and loss of exclusivity. Prior to Fingerpaint, Colleen held senior leadership roles at Concentric Health Experience and Harrison & Star.
Based in JPA Health’s New York office, Colleen will join JPA’s Executive Leadership Team with responsibility for the Life Sciences P&L. She will report directly to Carrie Jones.
“This is an incredible opportunity to join this dynamic and innovative agency. I am excited to begin this journey alongside Carrie and the amazing teams that make up the Life Sciences division,” said Colleen Carter. “In addition to being one of the best in the business, JPA Health reflects my passion and commitment to making a meaningful impact, driven by a genuine desire to serve others and help solve big problems that truly make the world a healthier place.”
Adam Pawluk, who has been with JPA Health for seven years, will transition from his role as Chief Client Officer to Head of JPA Labs. Adam has been instrumental in serving JPA’s clients and has significantly contributed to the agency’s specialist model. Based in JPA Health’s Washington, DC office, Adam will continue to serve on the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to Carrie Jones.
“I am thrilled to lead JPA Labs as we double-down on our mission to be the leading health innovation agency,” said Adam Pawluk. “Our team of synced-up specialists represents the best talent in the industry, working together seamlessly across creative, digital, data sciences and research solutions to produce game-changing, award-winning work. Our integrated approach is unlike that of any other agency, allowing us to flex and adapt to the needs of each client, ensuring we drive exceptional value and results.”
This has been an active year for JPA Health, including the recent acquisition of BioCentric, Inc., a medical communications agency with offices in greater Philadelphia and Lausanne, Switzerland, and True North Solutions, a Cambridge, Mass-based consultancy specializing in AI and Machine Learning. With the integration of these two leading agencies, JPA Health continues to build on its mission to provide comprehensive, data-driven, and high-impact services to clients across the Life Sciences, Public Health, One Health, and Federal Government sectors.
JPA Health
JPA Health is an award-winning independent, full-service agency established in 2007. With offices across the U.S. and Europe, the agency seamlessly brings together flexible solutions in public relations, commercial marketing, patient advocacy, and medical communications across the health sector. Leveraging tailored AI solutions, JPA Health crafts seamless, 360-degree omnichannel strategies to engage healthcare stakeholders effectively. As a women-owned and independent agency, we are passionate about helping people live healthier lives and dedicated to pushing the boundaries of healthcare communications. Discover more at www.jpa.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Guillermo Meneses, JPA Health
gmeneses@jpa.com
(202) 445-1570
This strategic acquisition combines BioCentric’s medical affairs and commercial expertise with JPA Health’s integrated services, predictive analytics and AI-driven solutions
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2024 — JPA Health, a global full-service, integrated health agency, announced the acquisition of BioCentric, Inc., an award-winning medical communications agency. BioCentric is recognized for its work with leading pharmaceutical companies, supporting them with scientific platforms for pipeline product candidates, clinical trial acceleration, and HCP engagement.
BioCentric will serve as JPA Health’s medical communications and learning experiences arm, leveraging its innovative serious games and gamification approach to enhance engagements, capture meaningful insights, and drive positive behavior change. Sherine Aly, who founded BioCentric in 2001, will continue to lead the division, ensuring clients receive exceptional scientific communications solutions. BioCentric has offices in Collingswood, N.J., and Lausanne, Switzerland.
“We are thrilled to welcome BioCentric into the growing JPA Health family,” said Carrie Jones, CEO of JPA Health. “This acquisition is a great union, bringing together BioCentric’s medical prowess with JPA’s deeply rooted expertise across marketing, patient advocacy, and corporate communications. Our clients will benefit from a fully integrated agency that can deliver unparalleled solutions to help them achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.”
“Joining JPA Health allows us to elevate our work to new heights. Our shared commitment to improving lives by connecting healthcare stakeholders and leveraging the latest technological innovations will unlock powerful and creative synergies,” said Sherine Aly, Executive Vice President, Medical Communications. “Together, we can now offer our clients end-to-end solutions that make a real difference in patients’ lives.”
This acquisition follows JPA Health’s purchase of True North Solutions in September 2023, further expanding the agency’s capabilities in predictive analytics, AI, and natural language processing. With the integration of True North Solutions and BioCentric, JPA Health continues to build on its mission to provide comprehensive, data-driven, and high-impact services to clients across the life sciences, public health, one health, and federal government sectors.
The combined agency has more than 120 employees across offices in the U.S. and Europe, offering a synergistic suite of services that includes corporate communications, brand marketing, patient engagement, and scientific storytelling. This integration is rooted in the shared values and vision of both organizations, deeply committed to advancing medicine and improving health outcomes.
For more information about JPA Health and its comprehensive suite of services, please visit www.jpa.com.
Media Contact
Guillermo Meneses, SVP, Earned Media
M: 202-445-1570
gmeneses@jpa.com
JPA Health
JPA Health is an award-winning independent, full-service agency established in 2007. With offices across the U.S. and Europe, the agency seamlessly brings together flexible solutions in public relations, commercial marketing, patient advocacy, and medical communications across the health sector. Leveraging tailored AI solutions, JPA Health crafts seamless, 360-degree omnichannel strategies to engage healthcare stakeholders effectively. As a women-owned and independent agency, we are passionate about helping people live healthier lives and dedicated to pushing the boundaries of healthcare communications. Discover more at www.jpa.com.
BioCentric – A JPA Health Company
BioCentric is an award-winning medical communications and learning experiences agency that supports a broad range of drug development and commercialization activities. With expertise in behavioral science, modern learning principles, and game mechanics, BioCentric creates value-based, customer-centric experiences to improve patient care.
As we approach December 1, the global community recognizes World AIDS Day—a day to remember those affected by HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges in combating the epidemic. In the past 40 years, more than 40 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses, and it is estimated that 39 million people around the world live with the virus, according to the World Health Organization. As we close the year, let’s not only reflect on the strides we’ve made but also turn our attention to an often-overlooked segment: elderly members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities worldwide. While progress has been made in prevention and treatment, it’s crucial to recognize that the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly its elderly members, faces additional challenges. This intersectionality demands a thoughtful approach to health communication that considers the specific needs and barriers of this demographic.
Key Takeaway
– World AIDS Day highlights global HIV/AIDS impact
– LGBTQIA+ elders face unique healthcare challenges
– Inclusive strategies essential for effective communication
Related Case Studies
The issues and barriers that members of this community often face include:
- Stigma and Discrimination: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially the elderly, often face stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings. This can deter them from seeking necessary medical attention, including HIV testing and care.
- Lack of Cultural Competence: Healthcare providers may not be adequately trained in LGBTQIA+ cultural competence, leading to an environment where individuals feel misunderstood or excluded. This lack of understanding can impact the quality of care and hinder open communication between healthcare professionals and their LGBTQIA+ patients.
- Isolation: Our LGBTQIA+ elders are more likely to face social isolation, which can contribute to mental health issues. Addressing mental health concerns is integral to holistic healthcare.
- Limited Access to Inclusive Information: Information about healthcare services and resources tailored to LGBTQIA+ elders may not be readily available. Accessibility to clear, inclusive, and culturally sensitive information is crucial for fostering trust and encouraging engagement with healthcare services.
As public health communicators, there are ways we can break down these barriers and reach this underserved audience to ensure they’re getting the resources they need. These strategies include:
- Tailored Education and Awareness Campaigns Launch targeted education and awareness campaigns that specifically address LGBTQIA+ elders and the providers who treat them. Highlight the importance of regular health check-ups, HIV testing, and mental health support while dispelling myths and stereotypes.
- Inclusive Language: Foster a healthcare environment that uses inclusive language and embraces diverse identities. Training healthcare professionals in LGBTQIA+ cultural competency can go a long way in creating an atmosphere of acceptance.
- Community Engagement: Establish community engagement initiatives that involve LGBTQIA+ elders, such as roundtable discussions about their healthcare needs. This not only empowers them but also provides valuable insights for improving healthcare services.
- Collaboration with Allied+ Organizations: Forge partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organizations and advocacy groups. Collaborative efforts can amplify the reach of critical messages, ensuring they reach the community and are effectively tailored to meet the needs of the people they serve.
Recognizing World AIDS Day is not only about remembering the past but also about addressing the present and future challenges faced by vulnerable populations within the LGBTQIA+ community. By acknowledging the unique issues and barriers that LGBTQIA+ elders encounter in healthcare, public health communicators can play a pivotal role in crafting inclusive, culturally competent messaging. Let’s strive for a future where healthcare is accessible to all, irrespective of age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
It started as a casual conversation on the couch one night. I was talking with my husband about a possible family trip to visit our friends in Madrid. They had recently moved away so we were thinking ahead to when we could see them again. As we started mapping out a summer trip, we found ourselves adding more and more destinations. We began to think, what if we went for longer? What if we explored more of Spain? What if, we took the whole summer off and traveled around Europe as a family? Our kids – at ages 8, 10, and 13 – had never been to Europe, and they were in a sweet spot of being fairly independent, able to walk and hike decent distances and still interested in spending time with us (well, most of the time anyway).
After the pandemic years, we were craving some time away from our computers and the churn of everyday life. And we wanted to broaden our kids’ perspectives, to help them appreciate other cultures and experience the benefits of seeing new places and trying new things. We were dreaming about a chance to spend the summer together as a family, exploring the world and being present in the moment.
Key Takeaway
– Being present enhances experiences greatly
– Integrate joyous activities into daily life
Related Case Studies
We talked about it on our own, and then started talking about it with our friends and family. We went with the theory that if you talk about something enough, it feels more real. But the reality of both being able to step away from our jobs (and have them waiting for us) was daunting. Could we really pull this off?
Given the agency planning cycle, I wanted to make the request for a leave of absence in November, before budgets and goals were set. That left us plenty of time to start travel planning. I caught JPA’s CEO by phone one quiet afternoon and gave her my pitch (palms sweating and bulleted notes in front of me). Her response, without hesitation: “Absolutely and sounds fantastic!” Amazing, right?
On top of the genuine support from JPA leadership, my team and colleagues around the agency were incredibly supportive – from stepping in to cover my work to offering many helpful travel tips. It was hard to leave them with an extra workload, and I cannot express my appreciation enough for the extra effort they put in to allow me this chance.
So, in June 2023, after many, many months of planning, the big moment arrived – we packed our bags, closed up our house and set off for eight weeks in Europe. Our trip took us all over Spain, from the major cities to all the coasts to the Spanish Pyrenees. Then we spent a week in France between Provence and Paris, and we closed the trip with two weeks across Scotland and England.
Top three things I learned from this experience:
- Take moments to acknowledge and appreciate it when you have an employer that supports you personally and professionally. At JPA, we talk a lot about our flexibility and how it goes both ways. After three plus years at the agency, and during a strange and stressful pandemic time, JPA was extraordinarily flexible with me for this significant request. And in turn, I tried to be flexible and considerate with giving plenty of notice, how to transition the work and how my team could reach me if needed over the summer.
- Being truly in the moment is incredible. We hiked awe-inspiring mountains, snorkeled in island coves, enjoyed warm chocolate crepes at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, ate A LOT of gelato and croissants, met up with friends and family, read books, went to museums, explored Harry Potter movie sets, played on the beach and more.
- Find moments to integrate the activities that bring joy and peace into everyday life. I rediscovered how much I enjoy reading for relaxation, so I have made it a priority to actually read more regularly. I also really enjoy hanging out with my kids when I’m not multitasking. Making the time to just be together can be hard but is a good carryover from the summer.
I feel very fortunate to have been able to take this trip, be with my family, and step away from work and normal life for a while. We have been back now for as long as we were away, but hopefully we can keep the spirit of the trip going and we’ve sparked a sense of curiosity and adventure in our kids that will last them a lifetime.
National Prevention Week: How JPA Health Breathed New Life into a Longstanding Campaign
National Prevention Week has been an important yet under-recognized observance for nearly 20 years. JPA Health helped the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) rebrand and roll out a unifying logo and messaging, better defining prevention and establishing a long-term, memorable brand to support substance misuse prevention.
The Impact
Potential
audience
reach of
240M+
2,400+
downloads
of toolkit
and materials
10 new
partner
organizations
engaged
The Challenge
National Prevention Week is a public education platform dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance misuse prevention and positive mental health. While the prevention field has changed significantly since the launch of National Prevention Week in 2004, the brand was in need of a refresh to be more contemporary and relevant. JPA partnered with SAMHSA to reimagine National Prevention Week and develop a new identity to better serve the prevention community.
Our Approach
In partnership with SAMHSA, we reevaluated the goals of National Prevention Week and held conversations with key audiences to garner their input. From there, JPA created a brand identity and messages to better communicate core messaging around the observance, aligned with SAMHSA’s strategic priorities. The revitalized brand focused on National Prevention Week as a conduit for elevating the prevention community to improve lives.
The Solution
JPA Health launched a new National Prevention Week logo with an emphasis on the word “We” in “National prevention Week,” adding a new, galvanizing tagline, “A Celebration of Possibility.” By successfully conceptualizing National Prevention Week in an innovative way – and getting input from stakeholders in the community — we were able to create the first consistent tagline, a contemporary logo, and a new approach that better resonated with the prevention community.
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 26, 2023 – JPA Health today announced that it has been awarded a multi-year, multi-million-dollar contract from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support a national effort to jointly address recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorders among young adults.
The contract comes at a time when young people in America are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis: Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year, and 46 percent of young adults 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness, according to SAMSHA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
In light of these trends, JPA Health and its partner ICF Next have been tasked with helping SAMHSA develop and launch a National Recovery Campaign encouraging young adults to seek or continue treatment for substance use disorder and/or mental illness.
Key Takeaway
– JPA Health wins SAMHSA contract
– Work focuses on mental health crisis
– Launching national campaign
Related Case Studies
“We are honored to help SAMSHA implement a national recovery campaign for young adults who are disproportionately affected by mental illness and substance misuse,” said Carrie Jones, CEO of JPA Health. “This important work builds off our proven track record at SAMHSA and other federal health agencies addressing suicide prevention, mental health and substance misuse prevention efforts. We are excited to offer our expertise to SAMHSA as the agency communicates evidence-based strategies to improve the behavioral health of our nation.”
To support the National Recovery Campaign, the JPA Health team will:
- Conduct formative research using evidence-based practices to understand the needs for and barriers to accessing treatment and recovery supports.
- Create and test messages and materials that support targeted public education efforts highlighting that recovery is real and possible.
- Monitor and measure the reach and impact of the campaign’s messaging.
About JPA Health
JPA Health is an award-winning independent, full-service agency established in 2007. With four offices in the U.S. and UK (Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, London), the company provides omnichannel marketing, public relations, and advocacy services. JPA Health recently was awarded PR Daily’s Agency of the Year, 2023 and included in MM+M’s Agency 100. The firm is a leader in the health sector recognized for its work designing health campaigns that drive change and deliver measurable results. The JPA Health team is passionate about helping people live healthier lives. To learn more, visit www.jpa.com
About SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.
Proudly Serving the U.S. Federal Government
As a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), full-service agency focused exclusively in the health sector, JPA Health is steeped in public health communications theories and best practices, working with the country’s leading companies to plan, execute, and evaluate national campaigns.
JPA takes a fresh perspective for each client’s challenge, drawing meaningful insights from the research and our rich experience to craft health messages that capture attention and inspire action.
Collectively, we have worked for decades on public health issues including suicide and substance use prevention, mental health promotion, HIV/AIDS, chronic disease prevention and have been at the forefront of many of the nation’s most prominent public education efforts. Currently, JPA oversees the rollout of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; a national campaign to support the mental health of health workers for the Centers for Disease Control; and will implement a National Recovery Campaign for SAMHSA to encourage young adults to seek or continue treatment for substance use disorder and/or mental illness.
We offer an unmatched track record, having worked with nearly every other federal health agency on mental health and substance use/misuse efforts. Our core services include:
Program Management
• Strategic Planning
• Program Administration
• Financial Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
Research and Evaluation
• In-Depth Interviews, Focus Groups, Surveys
• Environmental Scans
• Data Visualization
• Usability Testing
• Social Listening
• Media Monitoring and Reporting
• Online Bulletin Boards
• Program Evaluation
Creative Development and Production
• Graphic Design
• Photography/Video/Audio Production
• Writing and Editing
• Custom Artwork
• Print/Digital Design
Communications and Outreach
• Paid Media Strategy
• Interactive, Mobile, and Digital Strategy
• Strategic Partnerships
• Ad Buys
• Public Service Announcements
• Press and Media Outreach
• Event Planning
• Risk and Crisis Communications
Federal Contracting Information
Company Name: Jones Public Affairs, LLC doing business as JPA Health
Founded: 2007
Status: Women-Owned Small Business
General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract Number: 47QRAA21D0042
Cage Code: 4UH88
UEI: LBVNR65X8925
NAICS Codes:
541820: Public Relations Agencies (Primary)
541430: Graphic Design Services
541511: Custom Computer Programming Services
541613: Marketing Consulting Services
541690: Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
541810: Advertising Agencies
541830: Media Buying Agencies
541890: Other Services Related to Advertising
541910: Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling
541990: All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Our Clients
- SAMHSA
