At a Glance
- Secured meetings with five industry-leading think tanks and federal agencies
- Received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition
- Produced six policy papers, including one that inspired new Medicare policies
Northwestern Health Sciences University set out to close a long-standing gap in U.S. healthcare policy: the exclusion of integrative and whole-person care from federal priority setting. Despite serving millions of Americans, these providers lacked visibility in Washington and were often overlooked in national conversations about prevention, chronic disease and health equity outcomes. NWHSU needed a communications partner capable of elevating its voice—and the voices of its practitioners—into policy-shaping rooms.
Sharpening the Argument
RH Strategic partnered with NWHSU to develop a federal-facing communications platform grounded in evidence and policy relevance. Our team shaped messaging that linked integrative care to some of the nation’s most urgent priorities, from widespread medical issues like chronic pain and mental health to broader topics like health equity and workforce shortages. We then amplified that story through research, thought leadership and direct engagement with Beltway influencers. Working alongside NWHSU’s leadership, we helped prepare them for federal briefings; secured opportunities to present to Congress and the National Institute of Health; and supported collaborations with major thinktanks. Each effort reinforced the impact and scalability of integrative care in the broader system.
Pushing Health Policy Forward
The campaign transformed NWHSU from a respected academic institution to a recognized voice shaping federal thinking on whole-person care. Policymakers, researchers and national coalitions began turning to NWHSU for insight, engaging the university in discussions that previously excluded integrative providers. The institution earned invitations to cross-sector convenings and strengthened relationships across agencies and advocacy partners working on pain management, behavioral health and health-equity policy. Most importantly, integrative care gained legitimacy as a practical, scalable solution, moving from the periphery of American healthcare to a place of relevance in national conversations about improving patient outcomes.
About the Client
Northwestern Health Sciences University is a Minnesota-based institution focused on integrative healthcare education. The university prepares practitioners across disciplines including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy and health sciences, training clinicians to deliver patient-centered care within a rapidly evolving healthcare system.
