In honor of Health Empowerment Day, we asked three marketing leaders to share how their health systems are turning empowerment into meaningful action.
September 9th marks Healthgrades’ inaugural Health Empowerment Day, a new health observance designed to encourage and educate patients to take charge of their health. It’s a collective movement that brings together healthcare organizations, community partners, and advocates with a shared goal: to inspire more informed, confident, and proactive healthcare decisions.
As consumer expectations rise and healthcare journeys become more fragmented, the need for comprehensive support throughout the entire process becomes increasingly urgent. Patients today face a complex and often overwhelming landscape, compounded by rising costs. Empowerment means equipping them with the tools and support they need to navigate every stage of their healthcare journey successfully.
To explore how that happens in practice, Healthgrades’ Audrey Keller spoke with marketing leaders from major health systems across the country. Their perspectives reflect the values that unite healthcare professionals—access, education, and empathy—and the strategies that can help organizations build stronger, more patient-centered systems.
Voices in Health Leadership
John Davey, Vice President of Marketing Technology, Mount Sinai Health System
“The question becomes: how do you positively motivate people to do something
good for them, even when the short-term process might feel uncomfortable?”
At Mount Sinai Health System, John Davey views patient empowerment as rooted in education. Many people delay preventive care, such as colonoscopies or mammograms, because of fear or discomfort. But lasting behavior change, he explains, comes from confidence rather than pressure.
“We need to empower people, not scare them. Fear can be a motivator, but the better path is education, especially for those at increased risk. For example, certain cancers, like colon cancer, are being diagnosed earlier than ever before. So, helping people understand their risk and giving them the confidence to take action is key.
Most of the time, the fear of doing something is worse than the thing itself. And often, the outcome brings relief, like when a test comes back clear. So, it’s really about finding the right balance. At the end of the day, it’s a communications challenge: how do you meet people where they are and help relieve the anxiety that’s holding them back from taking that next step? “
As early detection becomes more common, effective messaging plays a crucial role in helping people move from hesitation to action.
Read more of John’s insights: John Davey on Harnessing AI, Smarter Feedback Loops, and Driving Patient Loyalty at Mount Sinai
Alison Pondo, Senior Director of MarComm & Business Development Operational Excellence, Tampa General Hospital
“It starts with meeting patients where they are and making it easy to take
that first step, whether scheduling an appointment or exploring care options.”
For Alison Pondo and the team at Tampa General Hospital, empowering patients begins with access. The focus is on removing barriers and creating entry points that feel attainable for everyone.
One of their flagship initiatives, TampaWell, reflects this commitment. It’s a collaboration with organizations throughout the community, and one of its key goals is to promote food as medicine. The health system works with patients and their physicians to help them understand the role of nutrition in healing and how food can be a critical part of the health journey. As part of TampaWell, their team also supports a community garden to help address food insecurity in areas considered food deserts.
“We’re continually promoting healthy, active lifestyles by partnering with organizations that encourage physical activity, wellness, and preventive care. It’s truly a community-driven effort to help people take action for their health in approachable and sustainable ways.”
The result is a localized approach to health empowerment, where preventive care is made more accessible, relevant, and sustainable.
Read more of Alison’s insights: Building Smarter, Stronger Patient Connections in a Digital Era with Tampa General Hospital
Health Empowerment in Practice, Not Just Principle
Across health systems and communities nationwide, one thing is clear: health empowerment is not a marketing tactic—it’s a mission. Whether by demystifying preventive care, promoting nutrition as medicine, or building trust through accessible digital experiences, these organizations are showing what patient-first, action-oriented healthcare looks like.
Join Us in Celebrating Health Empowerment Day on September 9th
How is your organization helping people take charge of their health journey? Share your stories using #HealthEmpowermentDay and join the movement to enhance patient engagement and support, from preventive measures to ongoing treatment and beyond.
