Interlex Launches New Health Division
ILX Health Strategies Group expands agency’s support to health care and public health through research, program development and communications
SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 2015) – – Interlex, consistently ranked a Top US Agency by industry trade Ad Age, is launching a new division specifically dedicated to promoting better health through evidence-based strategies, program development and implementation, and culturally relevant awareness and behavior change campaigns. The ILX Health Strategies Group will build on the company’s extensive experience in public health and healthcare marketing campaigns by deepening its resources and expanding its team through the addition of respected health experts.
Leading the ILX Health Strategies Group in terms of health-related research and the development of programs and content will be newly hired Interlex Medical Director Thomas Schlenker, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Schlenker is a seasoned pediatrician as well as former director of the public health departments of San Antonio, Texas, Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Salt Lake City. He led the San Antonio Metro Health department through a multiyear initiative, which resulted in a measurable decrease in obesity rates in the area. During that time, Dr. Schlenker worked with Interlex as a client on award-winning public awareness campaigns. Most recently, Interlex and the doctor teamed again to spark and support the development of a campaign to reduce consumption of sugary drinks in order to combat obesity and diabetes.
“Working closely with Interlex, I experienced the power that culturally relevant branding and communications can have on health-related behaviors,” says Dr. Schlenker. “I also saw how one company can truly be an agent for social change. I was inspired to help this company deepen its impact on important challenges upstream from communications.”
“It’s wonderful to create life-changing campaigns for our clients,” adds Interlex CEO Rudy Ruiz. “To also play a role in identifying and understanding public health problems and developing integrated, comprehensive solutions is a natural evolution for us. We are delighted to have a thought leader in public health at the helm of our new division. And we are eager to grow the scope of our work. As we all know, communications is the tail end of a process which begins with research, evidence-based strategies, and innovative programs that make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.”
ILX Health Strategies Group’s mission aligns closely with the larger company’s: to help clients make a positive impact on human lives. While searching for growth opportunities, Interlex will first focus on bringing greater value and expertise to its current roster of health-related clients, which includes: UnitedHealthcare, AARP, Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Illinois Public Health Institute, California Public Health Institute, and the City of Houston Health & Human Services.
“As our company turns 20, this is part of our evolution into more than a communications agency,” sums up Ruiz. “Our vision is to be a true engine for positive social change, a force for progress that empowers multicultural and traditionally underserved communities to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.”
About Interlex
Interlex is a leading full-service integrated marketing communications firm driven by the unique mission to help clients make a positive impact in the lives of diverse audience. It is ranked among the Top U.S. Agency Across All Disciplines by Ad Age magazine. One of the largest Hispanic-owned agencies in the nation, Interlex provides global and national clients seamless general and multicultural marketing services with a focus on marketing that inspires people and empowers communities to live better lives.
About ILX Health Strategies Group
ILX Health Strategies Group Division is specifically dedicated to promoting better health through evidence-based strategies, program development and implementation, and culturally relevant awareness and behavior change campaigns.