Using email to enhance e-cigarette and vaping awareness campaigns

Email sends out targeted messages, and email helps educate people about issues like health, safety, and environmental protection. These messages can be personalized, which makes them more relevant and engaging to recipients. Email also allows for immediate feedback by tracking how many people open and interact with the message.

The health risks of e-cigarettes and vaping

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Vaping is often thought of as safer than cigarette smoking, but vaping causes health problems, too. Both vaping and smoking are addictive and bring potentially dangerous chemicals into your body.”

E-cigarettes present several health risks that concern both users and public health experts. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 2,807 cases of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) and 68 deaths linked to this condition as of February 2020. Researchers have identified nearly 2,000 chemicals in e-cigarettes, with many still unknown. 

Among the identified substances, six are potentially harmful. Alarmingly, three of these harmful chemicals are new discoveries in e-cigarettes. The presence of these toxic substances underscores the danger e-cigarettes pose to individuals. They can cause severe lung damage and other health issues, making e-cigarettes a risky choice for anyone seeking alternatives to traditional smoking.

The efficacy of email in public awareness 

HIPAA compliant email boosts the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns by connecting organizations directly with a vast audience quickly and at a low cost. With email, groups can distribute information about vital topics, such as public health, safety measures, and environmental initiatives. The strength of email lies in the ability to deliver personalized messages that resonate with individuals, motivating them to learn more and take action.

Each email can be tailored to address the recipients’ interests or behaviors. The customization increases the chances that recipients will open the emails and interact with the content. These campaigns allow organizers to include multimedia elements like videos, infographics, and clickable links.

How to use email to improve the efficacy of awareness campaigns 

To create an effective email awareness campaign centered around the prevention of vaping and e-cigarette use healthcare providers can use the following: 

• Divide your email list into specific groups based on demographics, past engagement, or interests. 
• The subject line is your first impression. For instance, “Join Us to Make a Difference Today!” or “Urgent: Your Voice is Needed!”
• Keep the email body concise and focused. Use bullet points, short paragraphs, and include compelling images or videos that reinforce your message.
• Utilize the recipient's name and reference any past interactions or donations. Personalization increases the feeling of connection and recognition.
• Every email should have a clear, actionable next step whether it’s signing a petition, sharing information on social media, or attending an event.
• Ensure your emails are mobile-friendly. Many users access their email on their smartphones, and emails that are not optimized for mobile can be difficult to read and interact with.
• Use A/B testing for different elements of your emails, such as subject lines, email layouts, and calls to action. 
• Don’t let your communication be a one-time interaction. Follow up with additional information, updates on the campaign’s progress, and further actions they can take.
• Pay close attention to open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. These metrics provide insights into what works and what doesn’t.

See also: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services

FAQs

What is A/B testing?

A/B testing is a method where two versions of a webpage or email are compared to see which one performs better.

What is HIPAA?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a U.S. law that protects the privacy and security of individuals' health information.

What is PHI?

Protected health information refers to any information in a medical record that can be used to identify an individual and that was created, used, or disclosed in the course of providing a healthcare service.