The phone number made iconic by Tommy Tutone’s 1981 hit “867-5309/Jenny” has been repurposed as a free, confidential cancer support line staffed by trained specialists.
Callers now reach the Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Club by dialing CSC-867-5309 or 272-867-5309. The effort is a collaboration between the nonprofit, Gilda’s Club locations, and health marketing agency Klick Health, with the full backing of the band.
Tommy Heath, the band’s lead singer, said the song’s enduring cultural footprint is now being put to meaningful use.
“If that little piece of pop culture can now help someone remember Cancer Support Community’s and Gilda’s Club’s Helpline and connect them to real people, real community, and real support, that’s incredibly meaningful to us,” Heath said, Audacy reported.
The 78-year-old musician, who has relatives who have battled cancer and is dealing with a minor case of skin cancer himself, added that he would be pleased if the number’s new purpose became as well-known as its pop legacy.
“I’d be happy if this … made people smile and [gave] them hope,” he said, per The Guardian.
Cancer Support Community CEO Sally Werner said the campaign deliberately taps the number’s familiarity.
“By anchoring CSC-867-5309 into the public consciousness, we’re ensuring that when someone is impacted by cancer, Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Clubs are the first place they turn to,” Werner said, according to Audacy.
The organization provides “guidance, resources, and support to cancer patients or their loved ones with a variety of needs — from getting information about cancer, identifying a local support group, or just finding someone who is willing to listen. So that no one faces cancer alone,” its website states.
The song “867-5309/Jenny” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 and led to decades of prank calls to people who happened to have the number. It has since been auctioned, leased for advertising, and used as a trademark. For the first time, it is now dedicated to public health.
The website csc8675309.com features five English-language ads and one Spanish-language version publicizing the support line, which can be shared on social media.
