OAAA Partnered With Ad Council For Mental Health
The advertising industry is donating media inventory to support the Seize the Awkward mental health initiative.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Mental Health
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The Out of Home Advertising Association of America has partnered with the Ad Council to bolster the Seize the Awkward mental health campaign for teens and young adults. As part of this effort, the winner of the 2026 Platinum OBIE award will receive donated media space to amplify the project nationwide.
Why it matters
This partnership leverages the wide reach of out-of-home advertising to address rising concerns regarding isolation and loneliness among young people. By dedicating donated media inventory, the initiative aims to increase visibility for resources provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The OBIE Awards have recognized excellence in the industry for 84 years and currently represent a network of 850 member companies. The latest creative campaign, titled Let's Be Real, was produced by the agency Droga5.
The players
Out of Home Advertising Association of America
This trade association serves 850 member companies and represents the interests of the out-of-home advertising industry.
Ad Council
This nonprofit organization produces and promotes public service advertising campaigns across the United States.
Droga5
This creative agency is responsible for producing the Let's Be Real campaign creative featured in the initiative.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
This voluntary health organization is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
This organization works to support individuals and families affected by mental illness through advocacy and education.
The details
Industry members will provide media inventory across various markets and formats to support the campaign message. The collaboration will culminate in the presentation of the 2026 Platinum OBIE at a standalone ceremony hosted in New York City.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: The OBIE Awards ceremony takes place at the Museum of Modern Art.
Deeper Dive
This partnership extends the reach of the Seize the Awkward campaign by utilizing national out-of-home media assets.
This campaign provides young adults with increased access to mental health resources and information regarding the Seize the Awkward initiative. By utilizing public advertising space, the project aims to normalize conversations around isolation and loneliness in daily life.
The takeaway
The campaign highlights how corporate social responsibility efforts can bridge gaps in public awareness for vital health services. Readers are encouraged to utilize these widely available resources to support peers or family members who may be struggling with social isolation.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing efforts in Mental Health.
More information
Find OBIE Awards event information and tickets on the official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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