NEW EVENT! Beyond the Headlines

Beyond the Headlines: Communicating Medical Innovation to the Media
Protecting patient privacy through transparency and trust.

Date: September 26, 2024
Location: Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Demonstration Kitchen to the right of the Lobby
Address: 6777 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield MI 48322
Agenda: 5:30-6:30 pm – Food and networking | 6:30-7:30 pm – Program | 7:30-8:00 pm – Q&A
Registration Deadline: September 25, 2024 at Midnight
Eventbrite Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/964502491917?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for an exploration of external communications in the healthcare sector. Our expert panel, led by a skilled moderator, will delve into the art of crafting compelling media pitches across a variety of topics, including groundbreaking technologies and research, facility expansions, leadership announcements, patient success stories, and the latest in clinical trials and studies. Additionally, we will unravel the complexities of navigating HIPAA regulations, ensuring you master the essentials of patient privacy, consent protocols, and media rules regarding photos and videos. By attending this program, you’ll gain valuable insights and strategies to sharpen your skills and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare communication!

About Our Moderator:

Patricia Anstett- Journalist, Author, Medical Writer

Pat Anstett, an experienced, Detroit-based journalist and author who was the medical writer at The Detroit Free Press for 25 years. A three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, Pat’s 40-year journalism career includes work in three major cities – Detroit, Chicago and Washington D.C. – where she worked as a reporter and editor at the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit News, the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Today, and Congressional Quarterly, among others.

About Our Presenters:

Melissa Thrasher, M.A. – Communications leader, DE&I Ambassador, Event Producer, Podcaster

Melissa Thrasher is executive director of media relations and social media for Eastern Michigan University. She previously served as communications director for the Southeast Michigan American Heart Association, where she oversaw media relations for nationally recognized campaigns, including Go Red For Women and Power to End Stroke. Thrasher is credited for launching multicultural awareness campaigns, securing robust media sponsorships, coordinating statewide Twitter Chats, and launching the “Art for Heart” program.

Colette Stimmell- Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Media Relations

Colette Stimmell is an award-winning communications and public relations executive who served as VP of Communications for Beaumont Health (now Corewell Health), Michigan’s largest health system. With more than 40 years of PR experience, including 30 at Beaumont, she specializes in the development and execution of complex, multi-audience communication plans, messaging and strategies for crisis communication or transformational initiatives. Colette led media relations efforts that earned hundreds of thousands of local and national news placements for Beaumont, while managing its brand and reputation during crisis situations.

Meghan O’Brien – Corporate Affairs, Issues Management & Public Relations

Meghan O’Brien, with more than 20 years of experience, is director of corporate affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, where she leads issues management and public relations for the organization. She joined BCBSM in 2012, previously as a PR specialist, and PR and social media manager. Meghan has a proven track record of developing and driving strategic communications programs that produce measurable results. Prior to joining Blue Cross, Meghan launched her communications career in Los Angeles, where she specialized in public relations for the entertainment industry.

Tammy Stables Battaglia, APR – Healthcare Communications & Media Relations Manager

Tammy Stables Battaglia has spent the last 10 years in healthcare communications, working at Henry Ford Health System, Corewell Health and, currently, Detroit Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Michigan as Communications & Media Relations Manager. Prior, she was a reporter for the Detroit Free Press. She also worked in the Cleveland market as a journalist, as well as a content producer for the Cleveland Clinic.

Stephanie Frahm, MBA – Communications Manager, Event Producer & Healthcare Marketing Professional

Stephanie Frahm is Manager of Communications – Operations for Henry Ford Health, where she is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of system-wide communications operations and managing internal communications platforms. She also supports communications-led events – focused on building awareness and engagement, raising executive visibility, and implementing innovative solutions.