CANNES – Y&R Melbourne was awarded a Gold Lion in Health & Wellness for “Sip Safe” a wristband created in partnership with Monash University that is designed to test for drinks that have been spiked with drugs.
Every year in Australia, close to 5,000 people get their drinks spiked chemically and 40 percent of those who do, then end up being sexually assaulted. Y&R Melbourne launched the wristbands in partnership with Monash University, with technology developed in the U.S. that tests for GHB (Gamma – Hydroxybutyric) & ketamine. Drops of a drink can be rubbed into designated spots, and if the drugs are detected, they turn a dark blue.
“We are exceptionally proud of this innovative product that Y&R Melbourne launched with Monash University. The problem of spiked drinks and its relation to sexual assault is, sadly, a problem young people are facing all around the world. It is our hope that this simple solution will not only give young people a way to stay safe, but that its visibility will also serve as a deterrent,” said Tony Granger, Y&R’s Global Chief Creative Officer.
The wristband was launched in April at the Clayton campus of Monash University at the end of exam week. Students, already accustomed to wearing wristbands at festivals, bars, nightclubs and parties, took to them instantly. Thousands of the bands were used, and a university survey showed an 89% increase in awareness of drink spiking. Since the launch, 27 countries from around the world have ordered the wristbands.
At launch, Trisha Prpich, Director, Monash Residential Services, said: “Monash is invested in the safety and wellbeing of our students. We want to make sure our community is safe and well informed, and that includes encouraging everyone to drink responsibly. Sip Safe has the potential to provide users with an easy way to determine if their drink has been spiked with two of the most common drugs used in drink spiking.”
In addition, Y&R Sao Paulo won a Silver Lion in Health & Wellness for Santa Casa de Misericordia de Sao Paulo’s “Hemoji.” Y&R’s Classic Partnership agency in Dubai won Bronze in Pharma for “Rx Stickers” for the Dubai Health Authority.
