Using HIPAA compliant email to spread mental health awareness

Research from Marketing Sherpa found over  91% of American adults are interested in receiving emails from companies they "spend their money at," including their mental health treatment center. This demonstrates that email marketing may be an effective platform to spread awareness of mental health. 

Email marketing for mental health awareness

Using email to spread mental health awareness is a powerful and effective method due to its broad reach and personal nature. Here are some strategies to consider:

Target audience and purpose

• Identify your audience: Segment your recipients (e.g., employees, students, community members) to tailor the message effectively.
• Define your goal: Whether it's reducing stigma, promoting resources, or encouraging self-care, having a clear purpose will guide your content.
  
  

Content creation

• Educational material: Include information about common mental health issues, signs and symptoms, and myths vs. facts.
• Resources and support: Provide information on available resources, such as counseling services, hotlines, or online support groups.
• Tips and tools: Offer practical advice for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
  
  

Engaging format

• Subject line: Create an engaging and informative subject line to encourage opening the email (e.g., "Taking Care of Your Mental Health: Resources and Tips").
• Visuals: Use images, infographics, or videos to make the email visually appealing.
• Interactive elements: Include links to surveys, quizzes, or interactive resources to engage the reader.
  
  

Frequency and timing

• Regular updates: Send emails regularly, but not too frequently, to maintain engagement without overwhelming recipients.
• Timing: Choose optimal times to send emails (e.g., mid-morning or mid-week) to ensure higher open rates.
  
  

Call to action

• Encourage engagement: Invite recipients to participate in mental health events, workshops, or webinars.
• Feedback: Ask for feedback to improve future communications and understand the needs of your audience better.
  
  

Privacy and sensitivity

• Confidentiality: Ensure that the email respects privacy and confidentiality, especially when discussing sensitive topics.
• Inclusive language: Use language that is inclusive and non-judgmental to make everyone feel comfortable.

HIPAA compliant email marketing

Email marketing can be HIPAA compliant by ensuring that all communications adhere to the privacy and security regulations set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This involves implementing encryption for emails containing protected health information (PHI) to protect data during transmission. 

Marketers must obtain explicit consent from patients before sending emails and provide clear opt-out options. Additionally, emails should be sent through secure, HIPAA compliant email platforms like Paubox, which offer automatic email encryption and other safeguards against unauthorized access. Paubox also provides features such as secure email archiving and secure file sharing, ensuring that all aspects of email communication are protected. 

Regular audits and training for staff on HIPAA compliance are essential to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of patient information. Ensuring these measures are in place helps safeguard patient privacy while effectively leveraging email marketing for health-related communications.

Related: HIPAA compliant email marketing: What you need to know

FAQs

How can email marketing be HIPAA compliant?

To ensure HIPAA compliance in email marketing:

• Use encryption for all emails containing PHI.
• Obtain explicit consent from patients before sending emails.
• Use HIPAA compliant email platforms.
• Provide opt-out options for recipients.
• Train staff on HIPAA regulations and conduct regular audits.

What is a HIPAA compliant email platform?

A HIPAA compliant email platform is a service that provides the necessary security features, such as encryption and secure data storage, to ensure that emails containing PHI are sent and received securely. These platforms must also sign a business associate agreement (BAA) to comply with HIPAA regulations.

Go deeper: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services

What should be included in patient consent for email communication?

Patient consent should clearly explain what information will be shared, how it will be used, and the measures in place to protect their privacy. It should also provide options for patients to opt-out of future communications.