opioids.ca.gov

Website Development & Social Launch

My Role

  • Role: Website Strategy & UX Leadership, Creative Direction, Copywriting, Social Media Strategy

  • Collaborators: UX Designer, IT & Development Team, Graphic Designer

Overview

In response to the California Governor’s directive, I led the development and launch of opioids.ca.gov, a statewide public health resource addressing California’s opioid crisis. Delivered on a tight two-month deadline, this project marked a major shift for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), as it was the first website built outside of the department’s standard web templates. I spearheaded the effort, ensuring the site’s custom framework could serve as a model for future CDPH digital projects.

Beyond the website launch, I provided creative direction and copywriting for the accompanying social media announcement campaign, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms to drive awareness and engagement.

My Contributions

  • Website Strategy & UX Leadership – Designed the site structure, user flow, and accessibility requirements to ensure an intuitive, user-friendly experience.

  • Wireframing & UX Design – Partnered with a UX specialist to develop wireframes that streamlined navigation and prioritized key public health information.

  • Development Collaboration – Worked closely with CDPH IT and developers to implement a custom framework, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure a seamless user experience.

  • Creative Direction & Visual Oversight – Led the graphic designer in crafting site visuals that reinforced public health messaging and maintained brand consistency.

  • Social Media Launch Campaign – Provided creative direction and copywriting for the campaign introducing opioids.ca.gov, ensuring alignment between website and social messaging.

 
 

IMPACT

  • Set a new precedent for CDPH web development by successfully implementing a custom-built website within the CDPH web infrastructure, eliminating the need for offshore development and tedious site transfers. This innovation paved the way for future public health websites and the formation of a dedicated UX team within CDPH.

  • Delivered a fully functional, user-centered website in just two months, aligning with the Governor’s public health priorities and the state’s response to the opioid crisis.

  • Enhanced awareness and engagement by ensuring a cohesive brand presence across the website and its social media launch campaign.