PHILADELPHIA — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s Health In Hand Foundation celebrated its 10th Annual Gala last night with a record turnout, expanded awards program, and renewed commitment to its mission of advancing responsible self-care.
More than 350 industry leaders from 100 companies gathered at The Bellevue Hotel for the milestone event, which doubled as a major fundraiser for the Foundation’s consumer education efforts. The evening highlighted the group’s 2025 initiatives, honored the year’s top self-care marketing campaigns, and announced new additions to its governing board.
“This year’s 10th anniversary Gala once again demonstrates our industry’s incredible commitment to Health In Hand’s mission to educate consumers about the safe and responsible use of self-care products,” said Mary Leonard, executive director of the Health In Hand Foundation. “It was inspiring to return to The Bellevue and celebrate the brands and campaigns shaping the future of consumer healthcare.”
Record Participation and Expanded Awards
The Gala’s centerpiece was the 2025 U.S. Self-Care Marketing Awards, which saw the highest participation in the program’s history. Submissions rose 32% over 2024, reflecting not only the growing visibility of the awards but also the industry’s increasing investment in consumer engagement, innovation, and public health education.
Two new categories made their debut: Best Omni-Channel Shopper Solution and Best Public Health Campaign. Organizers said both reflect evolving priorities in consumer healthcare, where seamless retail experiences and public-health messaging have become critical components of brand strategy.
“With record-breaking participation and two exciting new award categories, this year’s competition set a new bar for marketing excellence,” Leonard said. “The enthusiasm, innovation, and passion across our industry were on full display, and the energy in the room was truly unmatched.”
The judging panel—composed of academics, marketing experts, and senior industry executives—evaluated nominees across seven core categories, plus a People’s Choice Award.
Top Honors Across Seven Industry Categories
Haleon led the field with multiple top finishes, including Gold for Best Omni-Channel Shopper Solution for its GLP-1 Support campaign and Gold for Best Digital Campaign on a Brand Budget of More than $5M for its Flonase® x Bridgerton collaboration. Haleon also took Silver in the new Best Public Health Campaign category.
Kenvue, Perrigo, Bayer Consumer Health, Cadence OTC, Combe, and other leading manufacturers were also recognized across categories for digital innovation, product launches, multicultural marketing, and public health initiatives.
Combe’s Astroglide® earned the People’s Choice Award as well as Bronze in Best Overall Multicultural and Inclusive Campaign, underscoring strong engagement with both judges and attendees.
Awards Summary – Select Gold Winners
- Best Omni-Channel Shopper Solution:
Haleon — Haleon GLP-1 Support - Best Digital Campaign (Budget < $5M):
Bridges Consumer Healthcare — ThermaCare® Menstrual Digital Campaign - Best Digital Campaign (Budget > $5M):
Haleon — Flonase® x Bridgerton: ‘Talk of the Ton’ - Best Product Launch Campaign (Budget < $5M):
Cadence OTC — Morning After Pill® Convenience Store Launch - Best Product Launch Campaign (Budget > $5M):
Perrigo — Opill® — America’s First OTC Daily Birth Control Pill - Best Overall Multicultural & Inclusive Campaign:
Haleon — Sensodyne® Sensory Inclusion Initiative - Best Public Health Campaign:
Kenvue — Sun Education
A full list of silver and bronze winners spanned leading OTC brands in pain relief, allergy care, sun care, cold and flu, sleep aids, and reproductive health.
New Board Members Join as Foundation Expands Mission
In addition to spotlighting the year’s standout marketing efforts, the Foundation announced two new members to its Board of Directors: Sara Diepenbrock, Head of OTC Brand & Innovation at Perrigo, and Henry Turgoose, Vice President, Upper Respiratory US – End to End at Reckitt.
“I’m delighted to welcome Sara and Henry to our Board,” Leonard said. “They each bring exceptional global experience and a deep understanding of the consumer healthcare landscape. As Health In Hand expands its public health initiatives and fundraising efforts, their leadership and insight will be invaluable.”
Momentum for the Year Ahead
Organizers reported that the 2025 Gala generated more sponsorship revenue and philanthropic contributions than any previous year—momentum they say will fuel broader consumer-education campaigns, public-health partnerships, and resources aimed at helping consumers make safe, informed choices about self-care.
With consumer demand for accessible health solutions continuing to expand, CHPA and its Health In Hand Foundation positioned the event as both a celebration of marketing excellence and a call to action for the industry.
“The enthusiasm and creativity we saw tonight show how committed this industry is to empowering consumers,” Leonard said. “As we enter our second decade, we’re more determined than ever to help people live happier, healthier lives.”
