Goss Agency Develops Creative for First Mobile Kidney Screening Vehicle in WNC
Posted: 10-10-2008 : ASHEVILLE, N.C.

Asheville, N.C. - The National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina recently unveiled its new Kidneyville Cruiser at Harrah’s Casino & Hotel. Harrah’s is sponsoring the mobile health unit on behalf of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. “We have partnered with NKFNC because this is an issue that affects so many individuals in our community. Our goal is to help improve health and longevity through education,” said Joyce Dugan, Executive Director of External Communications for Cherokee Harrah’s. The Kidneyville Cruiser is the region’s first interactive mobile health classroom and screening lab.

Local advertising agency, The Goss Agency, worked with Harrah’s and the National Kidney Foundation to create an exhibit for the mobile unit’s interior, with a natural wellness message aimed at preventing diabetes. The agency handles the advertising and public relations for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “One out of every seven Cherokee suffers from chronic kidney disease. We are dedicated to changing these statistics through preventive measures,” stated Susan Leading Fox, Cherokee Deputy Director for Health and Medicine.

The 20-foot long wall exhibit includes images of a Cherokee medicine man and native plants once used for natural healing and prevention. The message, “Cherokee have relied on nature to provide a healthy diet for 11,000 years,” encourages a return to the Cherokee’s native heritage to improve wellness. The exhibit describes some of the herbs which are known to lower blood sugar and help prevent diabetes and kidney disease, such as ginseng, onion, and garlic - reported to lower blood sugar levels, wild carrots- known for aiding aid in kidney function, and cinnamon – which triples insulin’s efficiency. “Our goal is to reinforce the significance of Cherokee traditions that have been practiced for thousands of years,” said Jeff Goss, Creative Director for the agency. The project is part of a larger movement the agency is spearheading to help the Cherokee promote and preserve their Native American cultural heritage for future generations.

The mobile unit will be offering free kidney screenings and chronic kidney disease (CKD) awareness programs in 100 counties with the greatest need in North Carolina. The Kidneyville Cruiser made its first official stop on Sept. 28 at High Point City Lake Park in Jamestown. The next stop will be the 96th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair Oct. 7-11. For more information on the Kidneyville Cruiser, or to participate in a kidney screening, call (704) 749-3316.

The Goss Agency, founded in 1998, focuses on results producing branding and advertising strategies using traditional media as well as multimedia and strategic public relations platforms. The agency has won more than 90 regional, national, and international awards. Visit www.thegossagency.com.