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I joined Shutterproof in June 2019 after building a career in marketing and communications to drive social change and impact. The vision of this organization, shared by our founder and CEO, Gary Mendel, caught my attention and resonated because one of my family members was battling a substance use disorder. As I learned more about Shatterproof, I became more and more interested in contributing to its mission. I was drawn to the challenge of building that brand and becoming a trusted source of support for families and individuals dealing with this medical condition.
Over the past ten years, the company has experienced significant growth and development. Our programs and resources have greatly improved with the introduction of the Treatment Atlas, Just Five, the National Stigma campaign, and Walks. However, he realized that none of these great programs were associated with his Shatterproof brand. As a result, we took a step back and assessed the organization’s current identity and how it has changed over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the seriousness of substance use disorders and their impact on people’s lives. We saw this as an opportunity to reevaluate and align our brand so that all of our work is tied to the Shatterproof name.
Our goal is to be a trusted guide and source of reliable, science-based information for individuals seeking help. Our organization continually makes changes to improve our services and help individuals navigate the complexities of substance use disorders. We’ve also updated our brand look and included more imagery to humanize Shatterproof and highlight the people and lives behind our data. As we continue to grow and people learn about Shatterproof, we want them to know that we’re here to support, educate, and empower them. We understand that people want to make a difference, and we strive to provide opportunities to facilitate change. Our country faces many challenges, including stigma, treatment system corruption, and misunderstandings about medicines. These issues cause pain, anxiety, and distrust. Our work on stigma is especially important because shame and isolation often prevent people from seeking help for common problems. It is critical for society to know that it has reliable resources that can provide the information it needs to overcome these challenges and emerge from the darkness with hope and a brighter future.
At Shatterproof, marketing and communications goes beyond just promoting your brand and showcasing your work. As marketers and communicators, we have the superpower to leverage a variety of channels and resources to make a tangible difference in the lives of people, especially those struggling with substance use disorders. Addiction remains taboo in the United States, but we strongly believe we can change it. Just as conversations around once-taboo issues such as HIV/AIDS, marriage equality, heart disease, and breast cancer have led to increased awareness and opportunities for change, so too have we reached a national consensus on substance use disorders. dialogue can be started. By allowing people to talk about this issue safely without embarrassment or judgment, we can open the door to treatment, acceptance, and recovery. Here lies the power and importance of our work. Through our marketing and communications efforts, we can indirectly save lives by starting conversations that can lead to significant change.
As a community, it is imperative that we have a transparent conversation about addiction. Those who struggle with addiction can find comfort in knowing that they are not alone from such discussions. Reducing this condition requires changing perceptions of addiction and fostering a safe and accepting environment in which individuals and their loved ones can safely seek the help they need to improve.
