Delawareans on social media might recognize Alexis Harris as the face of First State Destinations, a brand with 135,000 or so followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Her posts show appreciation for the First State and provide tips on where to eat, drink, and engage. But lately she’s expanded her message, encouraging residents to not only live their best life here but also their healthiest.
This year, the state’s Division of Public Health (DPH) selected Harris to participate in the Healthy Delaware Community Influencer Program, which promotes healthy living through partners’ social media and drives traffic to healthydelaware.org, where viewers can find information about cancer and disease prevention, learn where to get screenings, find treatment, and more.
Dawn M. Hollinger, chief of Delaware’s Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control, says last year’s pilot program reached more than 4,600 users on social through posts from three local influencers, who were paid a small stipend.
“We recognize that diverse backgrounds are shared among the influencers, and they have a large following who are their peers,” Hollinger says. “They can offer a peer-to-peer discussion, facilitate that discussion, and help us to spread the word in that more friendly…direct-focus manner.”
Harris’ posts in collaboration with Healthy Delaware focused on cancer prevention, as well as the self-described foodie’s personal health and fitness journey. In a video, she encouraged viewers to join her in striking a better balance: “When I’m not out indulging in Delaware’s food scene, I’m enjoying more balanced meals at home. I’m also learning a lot of our restaurants offer some really solid, healthier options.”
Harris also encourages at least 2.5 hours of exercise each week, which DPH experts say reduces the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
Jessica Moyer, founder of The Ice House in Wyoming, also participated in the program last year and saw that relatable, conversational posts were especially engaging. She drew inspiration from her career as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and integrative nutrition coach, as well as from the loss of her son to a genetic disease and of her father to cancer.
“Be purposeful in making choices in your life that you know are going to lead to a healthier lifestyle—that’s what I preach,” she says. “I think someone like Alexis, who is younger and has a very broad audience, is who we need to get people that are younger to start paying attention to their health now.”
