I am, as we all are, sensitive to, and saddened by, the incredible numbers of people who have lost their jobs due to the current economic climate. It is heartening to see how corporate America, as well as our government, are stepping up to the plate to alleviate, when they can, the burdens of unemployment, with thoughtfulness and sensitivity.

Pzifer, the giant pharmaceutical company, decided that they, too, were going to participate. They created a program to continue filling prescriptions, at no charge to the individual or family, for at least a year, upon proof of a loss of employment coupled with other factors.

The  effect is twofold.  Pzifer  gets to keep its 'brand', top of mind for their consumer, and the consumers' hopefully, will remain loyal to the brand when they can afford to begin making their own purchases.

Why then, my memo to the Publicist?

Let's think about this. The publicists' day is spent writing press releases, helping duck any negative bullets, putting a bit of polish/spin on any messy situation,
promoting the company, the brand, as the situation dictates. Arguably, it is a relatively high pressure position. After all, this
person is charged with tip toeing through the land mines of controversy
and public opinion.

So then, what was this person thinking about when they created this headline and put it out to the media? Of all the myriad drugs in Pzifers portfolio….Free Lipator, Viagra other drugs for jobless seemed to me, to be a tad off on the sensitivity meter, adding insult to injury…and forgive me for not stating the obvious.