College of Charleston senior communication students are the masterminds behind the #MyTime and I <3 My LARC campaigns that are all over social media networks.

As part of the health communication capstone course, students worked on behalf of a local nonprofit client to conduct and analyze formative research, test campaign strategies and messages, and design and implement a theory-based communication campaign, including messages, materials, and an event.

RELATED: Read about the Wired and Inspired capstone course.

LARCAdvocates for Youth partnered with a team of students to design and implement a campaign to raise awareness, increase knowledge and improve access to long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods among young women. In South Carolina, 56% of all pregnancies are unintended and almost one half of pregnancies among women in their twenties are unintended. As a result of research, two campaigns were developed: “I <3 My LARC” and “Keep Calm and LARC On.” Both use traditional and social media platforms to reach young adults. A Better Contraception Rally was also planned featuring free counseling and information from health care provides are current LARC users.

RELATED: Like the campaign on Facebook. Follow the campaign on Twitter.

Cervical Cancer-Free South Carolina Awareness Fair on the College of Charleston campus

Cervical Cancer-Free South Carolina Awareness Fair on the College of Charleston campus

Cervical Cancer-Free South Carolina another team of students to design and implement a campaign to increase awareness and access to (1) human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, (2) appropriate screening, and (3) treatment. South Carolina ranks 14th in cervical cancer incidence and 7th in cervical cancer mortality in the U.S., presenting an ideal opportunity for intervention. Following a research phase, the “It’s My Time” campaign was launched with a hashtag (#MyTime), Vine video contest, and Awareness Fair.

RELATED: Like the campaign on Facebook. Follow the campaign on Twitter.

The capstone course is taught by communication professor Beth Sundstrom, who is also part of the public health program and Women’s Health Research Team.

For more information, Sundstrom can be reached at sundstrombl@cofc.edu.