Salem, Oregon — VanNatta Public Relations (VPR), a longstanding public relations, consulting, and event planning firm based in Salem, recently received high honors from the Oregon Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). At the annual PRSA Spotlight Awards, held on March 13, 2025, at the University of Oregon’s Portland campus, VPR walked away with two top awards recognizing their outstanding work in community relations and publishing.
VPR earned the Spotlight Award for Community Relations for their work on the Salem/Keizer Healthcare Careers initiative. The project addressed a pressing concern in Marion and Polk Counties: healthcare demands are outpacing the current workforce. VPR tackled the issue head-on by developing a comprehensive and engaging career exploration website, Salem-Keizer Healthcare Careers, designed to attract more students to healthcare professions.
The interactive site features a custom search function, providing localized information on over 90 healthcare careers and more than 40 educational programs. To make healthcare careers more approachable for young audiences, VPR introduced playful mascots—Betty Boo Boo and Oscar the Ouch—along with creative marketing strategies and robust community outreach. The result was a dynamic campaign that brought much-needed attention and resources to the region’s healthcare talent pipeline.
The second Spotlight Merit Award was for VPR’s collaboration with the Medical Society of Marion-Polk County on its member magazine, ChartNotes: Connecting with Members – Telling Stories. The series highlighted the experiences and contributions of international medical graduates (IMGs) in the local healthcare community.
Among the featured issues was the Fall 2023 edition, Medical Melting Pot, celebrating the cultural diversity and language skills that international colleagues bring to healthcare in the region. It addressed healthcare disparities and the evolving role of IMGs in the U.S. system.
The Winter 2023 edition, Coming to America: South Asia Edition, explored the impact of South Asian physicians, who represent 30% of the U.S. IMG workforce. It included discussions on visa programs that enable skilled international doctors to practice locally, along with a feature, South Asia 101, offering insights into the subcontinent’s cultural diversity.
The Spring 2024 edition, Coming to America: Southeast Asia Edition, highlighted the experiences and wellness practices of Southeast Asian IMGs. It featured an article by Society member Dr. Satya Chandragiri, reflecting on the cross-cultural richness that international medical professionals bring to U.S. healthcare.
“Winning these awards is a proud moment, not just for our team, but for the communities we serve,” said Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, Fellow PRSA, and CEO of VanNatta Public Relations. “We’re passionate about telling stories that matter—whether it’s helping young people discover meaningful healthcare careers or sharing the voices of international physicians who enrich our region’s medical community. These campaigns were about connection, impact, and creating a better future, and we’re honored to be recognized for that work.”
About the PRSA Spotlight Awards: The PRSA Oregon Spotlight Awards celebrate the best of the public relations industry, showcasing campaigns and tactics that exceeded goals and delivered measurable results. Award entries are rigorously evaluated by judges from outside Oregon, ensuring high standards and impartial recognition of excellence.
About VanNatta Public Relations: Founded in 1967, VanNatta Public Relations is one of Salem’s most established firms, specializing in public relations, consulting, and event planning. VPR’s team of seasoned professionals serves a diverse client base, from political campaigns and nonprofits to associations and businesses. Known for their strategic expertise and commitment to client success, VPR helps organizations achieve their goals and reach new heights.
For more information, visit PRSalem.com or call 503-585-8254.
