Silver Spring Firm Wins National Award From American Public Health Association

SILVER SPRING, MD. (July 26, 2002) – Children with Tourette Syndrome are often embarrassed and misunderstood as the condition causes them to exhibit uncontrolled behavior and sudden outbursts in front of their classmates and friends. To explain the condition, Danya International, Inc., a health communications firm, produced a video entitled You've Got a Friend, which won this year's Best Materials award from the American Public Health Association (APHA).

You've Got a Friend and its accompanying curriculum offer straightforward, factual answers to questions about Tourette Syndrome. A survey indicated that after viewing the video, children were more sympathetic and more understanding of a child with the condition.

"The video helped children with Tourette Syndrome to better understand themselves and their disorder," said Kristen Holtz, PhD, Vice President of Child and Family Health at Danya. "And it helped other children to be more accepting of their classmates and friends with the condition."

Produced in conjunction with the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater Washington and the National Tourette Syndrome Association, the video will be presented by Danya at the annual APHA meeting in Philadelphia this November.

About Danya International, Inc.

Danya creates, delivers, and evaluates innovative behavior change strategies that empower people of all ages and from all walks of life to live healthier and better educated lives. The company provides breakthrough services in the areas of public health communication, research and evaluation, information technology, education and training, program management support, and health product development. Founded on the guiding principles of integrity, quality, and creativity, Danya helps its public and private-sector clients to develop research-based tools and campaigns that communicate clear, concise, and effective health messages across all media forms. Founded in 1996, Danya is based in Silver Spring, Maryland. To learn more about the company, visit www.danya.com.