By Phillip Akhzar, Founder + CEO of Arka
Founded by Josh Rome, Runway Health is transforming how travelers access essential health services, offering convenient, online care and affordable, FDA-approved treatments delivered directly to their doors. Simplifying pre-travel preparation is made even more impactful by a dedication to sustainability, a core value, through Runway's packaging partnership with Arka.
We recently had the opportunity to discuss Runway Health’s journey with Josh and explore how our collaboration is shaping the future of travel health.
Josh’s passion for travel, coupled with his insights from working within the travel industry, laid the foundation for what would become Runway Health. His professional background spans tech, pharmaceuticals, and travel, and his passion for jetsetting has taken him around the world.
"Travel has always been a significant part of my life—I’ve explored over 70 countries."
It was this extensive globetrotting that highlighted a significant gap in the market: the need for accessible and reliable health solutions for travellers.
"Whenever clients planned trips… their primary concern was managing health precautions."
Suitcase Solutions
Runway Health began with a clear objective to provide streamlined, expert-backed health solutions tailored specifically for travellers. "Our goal wasn’t just to offer prescriptions; it was to provide peace of mind."
Travellers simply complete an online questionnaire, after which a US-licensed physician reviews their medical history and travel plans. If eligible, the necessary medications are shipped directly to their doorsteps and boxed in distinctive, reassuring packaging that embodies trust and care; it not only ensures safety, but also builds excitement for the upcoming journey.
A Pandemic Perspective On Travel Health
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, but also highlighted the necessity of integrating health considerations into travel. "Travel and health were really top of mind during the pandemic," Josh noted.
Launching in mid-2022, just as the world began to travel again in earnest, Runway Health’s timing couldn’t have been better. "The pandemic transformed how travelers think about health, making it a priority in ways we hadn’t seen before." This shift allowed the company to engage with its audience, who were eager to explore the world again, but needed the reassurance of reliable health solutions.
“We’re really working on the brand identification through a beautiful [Arka] box that arrives on the doorstep.”
Sustainability At The Core
Throughout Runway Health’s service is its attention to detail, particularly in packaging. Unlike many telehealth services that opt for discreet, unbranded packaging, Runway Health embraces its brand identity boldly. “It adds to the excitement of preparing for travel," says Josh, playing a crucial role in the overall customer experience.
This commitment to quality and to sustainability, is thanks to a partnership with Arka. "Working with Arka has made it easy for us to integrate sustainability into our packaging," Josh explained. "The process was seamless, because Arka had already done the hard work to make their packaging solutions sustainable. It was a natural extension of our brand values."
“The sustainability component of it is almost like a given… we choose to work with companies that have a focus on transparency.”
The Journey To Stress-Free Travel
As Runway Health looks to the future, with exciting new announcements later in the year, their focus is on expanding partnerships within the travel industry and continuing to enhance customer experiences. These partnerships are set to broaden Runway Health’s reach, making it an essential service for travelers across the globe.
Josh is also keen on continually gathering customer feedback to refine and improve Runway Health’s offerings, ensuring they remain a trusted companion for adventurers worldwide. This dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in every aspect of Runway Health, from its user-friendly platform to its thoughtfully designed packaging.
For those interested in exploring Runway Health’s offerings or staying updated on their journey, Josh encourages visiting their website at Runway Health or following them on Instagram at @joinrunway.
Bon-Voyage
Runway Health exemplifies how innovation, driven by an understanding of customer needs, and the right timing can transform an industry. With a responsibility to health and safety, coupled with an unwavering passion for making travel accessible and easy, Runway Health is poised to redefine what it means to travel well— making proactive health and wellness an integral, seamless part of every journey.
A Special Gift
Josh and his team have been kind enough to extend a discount to the Arka community; use ARKA15 for $15 OFF your first consultation at Runway Health.
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