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Coping
with a Silent Medical Emergency
Imagine a nation in which
a deadly but treatable disease is taking its toll on
more than five percent of the population. One that is
wreaking havoc with the lives of millions of men, women,
and children, but only 20 percent of the people who
need treatment are receiving it. Would we help?
That's the situation that prevails in
the United States today. The disease is alcohol and
drug addiction.
Men and women in the recovery community cite three
disturbing trends that contribute to this deteriorating
situation. First, there has been a noticeable re-stigmatization
of substance abuse and addiction as the great strides
made during the "modern alcoholism movement"
that gathered force through the 1970s have slowly dissipated.
Second, substance abuse and addiction have moved further
and further outside the medical realm as the idea of
addiction as a disease comes under attack. This is alarming
given there is better information than ever before that
addiction is a disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking
behavior that results from prolonged exposure to drugs.
Scientific evidence has shown that addiction is a medical
problem, not a moral lapse. Third, there is a continuing
criminalization of addiction. We are building more prisons
and continue to incarcerate people with alcohol and
substance abuse and addiction problems. In most cases,
they receive no treatment while in prison. When released
from prison untreated they fall back to old behaviorsbehaviors
that begin the destructive cycle all over again.
All these factors contribute to a tremendous cost to
societyan estimated $294 billion annually.
What can be done about it?
Not long ago, experts in the recovery field at the
Federal, state, and local levels collaborated on an
initiative to develop Changing the Conversation:
The National Treatment Plan Initiative to Improve
Substance Abuse Treatment. The plan recommends
a variety of actions to help the Nation meet the challenges
presented by addiction. The guidelines for positive
action in the plan range from closing the serious gap
in treatment capacity, and urging insurers to provide
coverage for dependence equivalent to other medical
conditions, to assuring that an individual needing treatment
will be identified, be assessed, and receive treatment
no matter where he or she enters the realm of servicesincluding
the judicial system.
One of the most important guidelines for positive action
in the plan is one that each of us can and should support.
That is the recommendation to Change Attitudes.
Each of us can work to reduce the stigma associated
with addiction by first recognizing it for what it isa
treatable medical condition, one with a model of successful
treatment similar to hypertension or diabetes.
With that understanding, there is no better time than
during September, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month (Recovery Month),
to raise our voices to urge our community to make effective
treatment available at the local level for all those
in need. Such action is in the spirit of the 2002 Recovery
Month theme:"Join the Voices of Recovery: A
Call to Action." I hope you will join me
in taking these vital first steps toward solving this
national medical emergency.
(Close with an authorship line, which should include
your full name and a brief description of who you are
and what you do that makes you an expert on the subject.
You should also include your daytime telephone number.)
Writing
and Placing an Op-ed
Newspapers generally publish
a page of opinion columns and letters opposite the editorial
page, hence the term opposite editorial, or "op-ed".
The op-ed pages are the arena in which ideas and issues
are debated and an excellent place to raise awareness
of an issue. During National Alcohol and Drug
Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month)
you have an excellent opportunity to address important
issues related to substance abuse treatment programs.
Writing an op-ed places you in the role of a columnist
expressing your views while presenting the facts.
Whether you use the sample provided or write your own,
here are some tips for writing and placing an op-ed:
- Begin by making an outline. It will help you stay
focused and act as a reminder to cover key points.
- Stick with one subject per submission.
- Express an opinion that is clear and well-stated
from the beginning.
- Do not assume your readers are aware of the issue
or your viewpoint. Give them enough background information
to help them follow your logic.
- Support your position with statistics or study results,
but do not bury them in numbers.
- Use appropriate anecdotes; reference a recent news
event or story.
- Contact one or more of the listed Recovery
Month planning partners for a relevant quote.
- Localize your story whenever possible.
- Be clear and firm in your approach, but not fanatical.
- Keep your op-ed to 800 words or less. More is not
better.
You can reach a publication with your op-ed three ways:
phone, mail, or e-mail. Whichever way you choose, get
the process started about a month before the kickoff
of Recovery Month. Begin by calling the
paper to find out the name of the appropriate party
to contact. At this point, you may learn that the policy
of the paper is to send a written copy (or fax) of the
op-ed to the editorial page editor. A letter that explains
who you are and provides some background information
about Recovery Month and the topic should
accompany the op-ed. It should briefly but clearly state
the issue and why your thoughts on the subject are important.
Give your article a week or so to arrive and then call
the publication to be sure the op-ed was received and
to answer any questions.
Regardless of how you choose to approach a publication,
be sure to include an "authorship line" at
the end of the piece. This information should include
your full name and a brief description of who you are
and what you do that makes you an expert on the subject.
It should also include your daytime telephone number.
You are encouraged to share your plans and activities
for Recovery Month 2002 with the HHS/SAMHSA Center
for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and
the general public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.samhsa.gov.
We would like to know about your efforts during Recovery
Month. Please complete the Customer Satisfaction
Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are included on
the form.
Please send any of your organization's Recovery
Month promotional samples to: Office of Communications
and External Liaison, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment,
SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall Building II, Suite
621, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery Month materials
visit our web site at http://www.samhsa.gov
or call 1-800-729-6686.
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Sample
Proclamation 1
In the past 20 years medical
science has made great strides in learning about the
biology of substance use and the nature of chemical
addiction.
Addiction is a chronic illness that involves significant
physical changes in brain function. Treatment for addiction
is as effective as treatments for other chronic medical
conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Recognition of addiction as an illness is guideline
for positive action in Changing the Conversation:
The National Treatment Plan Initiative to Improve
Substance Abuse Treatment. This national initiative
envisions a society in which people with a history of
alcohol or drug problems, people in recovery and their
families, and people at risk for these problems are
valued and treated with dignity. It envisions a society
in which stigma, accompanying attitudes, discrimination,
and other barriers to recovery are eliminated and where
substance abuse and dependence is recognized as a public
health issue, an illness for which individuals deserve
treatment. It also envisions a society in which high-quality
services for alcohol and drug problems are widely available
and where treatment is recognized as a specialized field
of expertise.
Every day in every part of the United States, men,
women, and youth enter treatment for substance abuse
and begin the road to recovery, while families seek
hope and recovery in support programs and counseling.
In [your city or state here], we are [talk about specific
drug and alcohol treatment programs or initiatives taking
place in your community].
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
Month celebrates the individuals who have engaged
in successful treatment, families in recovery, and those
in the treatment field who dedicate their lives to helping
people recover from addiction. This year's theme, "Join
the Voices of Recovery: A Call to Action,"
invites all segments of society to join the recovery
community in supporting more quality treatment programs
and services in an effort to eradicate the disease of
addiction.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center
for Substance Abuse Treatment; the Office of National
Drug Control Policy; and [the name of a treatment organization
in your community here] invite all residents of [your
city or state] to participate in National Alcohol
and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, [name and title of your elected
official here], do hereby proclaim the month of September
2002 as:
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month
in [name of your city or state here] and encourage
all residents to promote the benefits of drug and alcohol
addiction treatment and recovery and to support community
treatment programs.
________________________________
Signature
Sample Proclamation 2
WHEREAS, on behalf of
the citizens of [your city or state here], I am pleased
to join the [name of a participating substance abuse
treatment organization] in celebrating September 2002
as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
Month in [your city or state here]; and
WHEREAS, acknowledging September 2002 offers individuals
in the substance abuse treatment community an opportunity
to educate the public and policymakers about the effectiveness
of treatment, both societal and financial; and
WHEREAS, substance use and abuse is a major public
health problem that affects millions of Americans of
all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds and in all communities
and which has a huge medical, societal, and economic
cost; and
WHEREAS, substance abuse is a treatable disease and
treatment of addiction is as successful as the treatment
of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension,
and asthma; and
WHEREAS, thousands of health care providers have dedicated
their lives to the recovery process and to the education
of the public about alcoholism, drug dependence, and
treatment issues.
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment; the Office of
National Drug Control Policy; and [the name of a treatment
organization in your community here] invite all residents
of [your city or state] to participate in National
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, [name and title of your elected
official here], do hereby proclaim the month of September
2002 as:
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month
in [name of your city or state here] and encourage
all citizens to support this year's theme"Join
the Voices of Recovery: A Call to Action."by
supporting men, women, and youth who are in drug and
alcohol addiction treatment and recovery and their families.
________________________________
Signature
Proclamations
Proclamations are an effective
way to draw the public's attention to an event or celebration.
Having a top official sign a proclamation designating
September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month (Recovery Month)
is a good way to gain state or local government support
and recognition for your Recovery Month
campaign. Publicize the proclamation to maximize exposure
and optimize its use as a public information tool.
Proclamations can be issued by governors and state
legislatures, and by elected officials or governing
bodies of municipalities, counties, cities, or towns.
All you have to do is write a letter or contact a member
of the government entity's communications office to
find out the procedure you need to follow for the issuance
of a Recovery Month proclamation.
Once you secure the proclamation, publicize it. If
the signing takes place at a news conference, distribute
copies to reporters. Have the proclamation photo-enlarged
to poster size for display at the news conference. Afterward,
display this visual prop (and additional copies) in
the lobbies of public places, including government buildings.
Also, send copies to local newspapers.
Traditional proclamations are a series of "Whereas's"
followed by a "Therefore." "Whereas"
means "because," "inasmuch as,"
or "since." "Whereas" sets the stage,
states the problem, and suggests action to remedy the
problem. The "Therefore" is the actual declaration
and request for specific support action.
Two sample proclamations are provided. The first is
more contemporary, leaving out the "Whearas's."
The second proclamation includes them and restructures
the topic sentences of some paragraphs. Modify these
sample proclamations, inserting information about the
problem in your community.
You are encouraged to share your plans and activities
for Recovery Month 2002 with the HHS/SAMHSA Center
for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and
the general public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.samhsa.gov.
We would like to know about your efforts during
Recovery Month. Please complete the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are
included on the form.
Please send any of your organization's Recovery
Month promotional samples to:Office of Communications
and External Liaison, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment,
SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall Building II, Suite
621, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery Month materials
visit our web site at http://www.samhsa.gov
or call 1-800-729-6686.
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For Immediate Release
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Contact: (Name of person within
your organization who is available
to answer questions from the press.
Add contact's phone number.)
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(Name of local official) and (your
organization) Call for Support
of Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Services in the Community
(City and state where your organization is located;
date you want press release published)(Name and
title of your local official) joined with (your organization's
name) today to proclaim September National Alcohol
and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery
Month) and announce a local initiative in support
of the national campaign to promote the benefits of
substance abuse treatment. This year's theme is "Join
the Voices of Recovery: A Call to Action."
During the month of September, communities nationwide
help people recognize that alcohol and substance abuse
and addiction are treatable diseases and that treatment
is as effective as treatments for other chronic medical
conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Recovery Month also celebrates the successes
of individuals who have engaged in treatment and recognizes
men and women in the treatment field who dedicate their
lives to helping those with addictions.
Recognition of addiction as an illness is a guideline
for positive action in Changing the Conversation:
The National Treatment Plan Initiative to Improve
Substance Abuse Treatment developed by public
and private sector experts. This national initiative
envisions a society in which people with a history of
alcohol and substance abuse and addiction, people in
recovery and their families, and people at risk for
these problems are valued and treated with dignity.
It envisions a society in which stigma, accompanying
attitudes, discrimination, and other barriers to recovery
are eliminated and where substance abuse and dependence
is recognized as a public health issue, a treatable
illness for which individuals deserve treatment. It
also envisions a society in which high-quality services
for alcohol and substance abuse and addiction are widely
available and where treatment is recognized as a specialized
field of expertise.
"We fully support the guidelines for positive
action of Changing the Conversation and
urge our community to put the plan into effect,"
said (name of official). "Changing the Conversation
is a blueprint for more effective treatment of the millions
of people currently abusing drugs and alcohol. Clearly,
we need this more visionary approach to treating those
suffering from the devastating consequences of substance
abuse." (Work with your local official to develop
a quote such as the one above.)
One of the guidelines for positive action (add the
spokesperson, title, and your organization's name) cited
as being of particular focus is stigma reduction. "If
we are to make real headway in treating addiction and
dependence, then we must begin by recognizing that alcohol
and substance abuse and addiction are not moral failings.
Drug and alcohol abuse is a medical condition that requires
effective treatment, just like any other chronic medical
condition. And, I want to emphasize, treatment for addiction
is just as effective as treatment for other chronic
diseases."
Locally, several public awareness activities will take
place throughout the month of September: (Give examples
such as those listed below.)
- A Community Forum will take place on (date/time).
At the Forum, many drug/alcoholand treatment-related
topics will be discussed and solutions to associated
problems will be presented and addressed.
- Information will be distributed to educators, faith
leaders, local employers, and others in the community
addressing the effectiveness and cost benefits of
treatment and instructing them on how to get involved
in ensuring those in need have access in their community.
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Helpful Hints for Writing a Press
Release
Many news stories are
triggered by a timely, well-written press release. While
small newspapers may run the release word-for-word or
with minor changes, most media use it as background
information. Following are some tips to help you write
your own release.
- Always have a good reason for developing a release.
To be useful, a release must be newsworthy. For example,
you might issue a release if your organization:
- Announces the results of a poll, survey, or
study on alcohol and drug abuse and addiction
- Launches a new public education program
- Begins a new type of service or makes significant
changes to existing services
- Hires a new director or high-level staff person
- Receives a grant or donation
- Wants to publicize the local impact of a national
news event
- Forms a special task force
- Conducts seminars or workshops featuring a
local or national celebrity speaker
- Honors an individual or organization
- Plans local activities to tie into a well-known
day, week, or month
- Plans an event to issue a Recovery Month
proclamation
- Keep it short. A release should be no more
than two pages, double-spaced; it should contain short
sentences and paragraphs.
- Stick to the format. Releases should be typed
on your organization's letterhead. At the top of the
page, include the name and phone number of a contact
for more information. The release should begin with
the name of your city and the date. If the release
is longer than one page, type "more" at
the bottom of each page except the last. Signify the
end of the release by typing "###" or "30"
centered after the last sentence.
- Give the most important details first. Begin
with a headline that summarizes the release. The first
paragraph should answer the five basic questionswho,
what, where, when, and why.
- Be careful with language. Avoid using slang
or technical terms. If necessary, explain terms.
- Check for accuracy. Be sure to verify all
spelling, statistics, names, and titles.
- Write factually. Opinions should be expressed
in direct quotes only. When quoting an individual,
get consent before publishing.
- Seek placement. Distribute your release to
local print, broadcast, and Internet reporters in
your community. Follow up to encourage them to write
or air a story. Try to schedule an interview with
an official of your organization. Collect samples
of any resulting coverage to document your outreach
efforts.
You are encouraged to share your plans
and activities for Recovery Month 2002 with the
HHS/SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, your
colleagues, and the general public by posting them on
the official Recovery Month web site at http://www.samhsa.gov.
We would like to know about your efforts
during Recovery Month. Please complete the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are
included on the form.
Please send any of your organization's
Recovery Month promotional samples to: Office
of Communications and External Liaison, Center for Substance
Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall
Building II, Suite 621, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery Month
materials visit our web site at http://www.samhsa.gov
or call 1-800-729-6686.
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[Name of Your Local Official] and
[Your Organization] Announce
Kickoff of a Statewide Substance Abuse Recovery Campaign
The 13th annual observance of National Alcohol
and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery
Month) will begin September 1, 2002. [Name and
title of your local official, name of your organization]
said that a statewide campaign will be launched beginning
[day and date] to increase public awareness about the
continuing need for quality drug and alcohol addiction
treatment and recovery services and programs. The campaign
will support the national theme: "Join the
Voices of Recovery: A Call to Action."
This year's theme supports the collective guidelines
for positive action of the treatment community as set
forth in Changing the Conversation: The
National Treatment Plan Initiative to Improve Substance
Abuse Treatment. This is a public and private
sector endeavor sponsored by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration's Center for Substance
Abuse Treatment. Changing the Conversation
envisions a society in which people with a history of
alcohol and substance abuse or addiction, people in
recovery and their families, and people at risk for
these problems are valued and treated with dignity and
where stigma, accompanying attitudes, discrimination,
and other barriers to recovery are eliminated. It also
urges that addiction be recognized as a public health
issue, an illness for which individuals deserve treatment.
[Name and title of local official] will be joined by
members of the recovery community, health and wellness
providers, educators, and employers (whoever is in attendance)
to discuss ways in which community stakeholders can
collaborate to support substance abuse treatment programs
and to launch a series of outreach activities taking
place in communities across the state throughout September.
Participants:
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[add the name of your local official]
[add the name of a representative from your organization]
[add the names of leaders in recovery who are
participating]
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Date:
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[day and month]
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Time:
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[time of the event]
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Place:
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[address of where the event will be held]
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Contact:
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[name of the person from your organization who
will field phone inquiries]
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Phone number:
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[contact person's phone number]
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Tips on Writing and Placing a Media
Advisory
A media advisory is a
simple way to inform local media outlets about an upcoming
press conference or a briefing. This document provides
print, broadcast, and Internet reporters with the information
they need to plan their schedules and cover your activity.
Below are some suggestions for successfully distributing
your advisory.
Place it on the "daybooks" and in "week-ahead"
columns. Call newswire services in your city or
state, such as the Associated Press or United Press
International, and ask them to place the advisory on
their daybooksa daily listing of all activities
that the media are invited to attendthe week before,
the day before, and the day of the event. Ask for the
name of the daybook editor and the fax number. Also
try to place the advisory in the "week-ahead"
columns of local newspapers and business publications
that list upcoming activities.
Create a media list. Send the advisory to local
media outlets in your community one week before your
event. To do so, you should develop a current media
lista fundamental tool of public relations. Your
list of media outlets must be accurate and up-to-date
to effectively reach reporters with your story. Here
are some tips to get you started:
1. Check your local library or bookstore for media
directories of daily and weekly newspapers, television
stations, radio stations, newswire services, Internet
news outlets, magazines, newsletters, and business
trade publications in your community. Some examples
of media directories include Bacon's directories and
Gebbie's All-In-One Directory. Use the
phone book or the Internet to supplement your list.
2. Once you have developed a list of phone numbers
and addresses, call each outlet to verify the information
and to determine which editors and reporters are the
most appropriate for your news.
3. For each print and broadcast media outlet, create
a list with the following information: name of media
outlet, address, telephone number, fax number, and
the names and titles of specific reporters or editors
who cover substance abuse/drug treatment and health-related
issues. Today, increasingly, many reporters and editors
prefer information to be e-mailed to them; therefore
secure an e-mail address where possible. You should
also determine the best time to call each reporter
(i.e., how far in advance/what time of day) about
your event.
4. Be sure to include specialized media on your list,
such as African-American, Hispanic/Latino, or other
minority newspapers or radio stations. Other specialized
media that you may wish to include are university/college
newspapers; television and radio stations; small community
papers or neighborhood newsletters; and publications
produced by local organizations, such as businesses,
hospitals, women's centers, health care clinics, professional
associations, churches and other faith-based institutions,
drug stores, and local clubs.
Follow up. After you mail or fax the media advisory,
contact reporters by phone to determine their interest
in attending or covering the event. Sometimes the personal
touch can make a difference in generating media interest.
You are encouraged to share your plans and activities
for Recovery Month 2002 with the HHS/SAMHSA Center
for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and
the general public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.samhsa.gov.
We would like to know about your efforts during
Recovery Month. Please complete the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are
included on the form.
Please send any of your organization's Recovery
Month promotional samples to: Office of Communications
and External Liaison, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment,
SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall Building II, Suite
621, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery Month materials
visit our web site at http://www.samhsa.gov
or call 1-800-729-6686.
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As in previous years,
the success of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month (Recovery Month)
will be based on the efforts of individuals like you
and organizations like yours. Now is the time to plan
special events and activities to support this year's
theme: "Join the Voices of Recovery: A
Call to Action." This year's theme
urges us all to take action to get the word out about
the important issues surrounding drug and alcohol addiction,
treatment, and recovery.
While Recovery Month occurs annually
in September, the ideas listed should be used as the
starting point for events and activities throughout
the year. Here are some thoughts to consider:
Planning Community Forums, Media
Events, and Other Activities
Look to the media to help inform your community about
the importance of substance abuse treatment and the
powerful message of recovery. Individuals who are successful
with treatment and return to the community at large
can put a face on recovery and are a testament to its
positive impact on not just the individual's life, but
his or her family and community.
Begin Recovery Month by holding
a press conference or Community Forum with the mayor,
governor, or noted citizens in recovery from your area.
Use the press conference as the platform to have the
governor, mayor, or other elected official issue a proclamation
(sample proclamations are located in this kit) in celebration
of this year's theme, "Join the Voices of
Recovery: A Call to Action."
The 2002 theme recognizes the importance of the
recovering community so if possible have people in recovery
speak or take questions. This event may also recognize
a community leader who has worked on behalf of substance
abuse issues.
What Is a Community Forum?
A Community Forum consists of a panel of community
leaders brought together to discuss a specific issue,
in this case substance abuse and treatment. The panel
could include elected officials, local treatment providers,
employers, health professionals, educators, the media,
members of the faith community, and individuals in recovery.
When planning this type of event, select an experienced
moderator. The moderator's role is to keep the event
moving, on time, and on topic. Moderators also set up
the agenda, perform introductions, and facilitate the
Forum.
These Forums can be aired on local television, radio,
or cable stations. They can even be broadcast on the
Internet. To enhance public interest in your Forum,
consider organizing it around a widely publicized event
or holding a legislative forum that has the support
of a member of Congress or state legislator. While either
could attract media attention, the Legislative Forum
strives to achieve support for policies and funding
as well.
What Is a Press Event?
A press event usually surrounds a specific activity,
like the opening of a new treatment center, the release
of a new study, a civic proclamation, or a marathon.
Invite an individual in recovery to say a few words,
introduce the event, take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony,
or start the race.
At the conclusion of any press event or Community Forum,
offer members of the media press kits and invite them
to interview participants. Press kits should include
a press release, media advisory, speaker biographies,
and fact sheets about the issue and your organization.
Make sure to include the name and phone number of a
contact person from your organization to answer any
additional questions. Finally, make sure to send thank
you notes to all attendees following the event.
When planning events consider some
key points:
- Select a specific topic for the Forum or press conference.
- Avoid competing with other allied organizations'
Recovery Month activities by checking
times and dates with your colleagues. Where possible,
coordinate your activities with those of your colleagues.
- To increase media attention select a location of
interest, such as a park, public building (public
grounds require special permits), or a treatment center.
- Select a Forum moderator.
- Compile and contact a list of participants and speakers.
Provide speakers with an agenda and time limit for
their remarks. Keep the remarks brief.
- Coordinate event coverage with local media.
- Send out a press release and media advisory (samples
are located in this kit) in advance of the event.
- Follow up with pitch calls to the media to encourage
coverage.
When planning events, keep in mind things rarely go
as planned. Your ability to plan for contingencies is
critical to the success of your event. Some additional
things to keep in mind:
- Outdoor events can be weather-dependent. Have a
back-up venue or a rain date.
- If your guest list expands, make sure you have adequate
seating for all participants.
- Speakers can be delayed, get sick, or have last-minute
conflicts. Have a back-up speaker or revised agenda.
- Check all audiovisual equipment and make sure that
the equipment is in proper working order. Doublecheck
your visual presentation, the video tape, and your
microphone.
- Arrange for speakers and participants to arrive
early. If the media will be present, discuss talking
points with speakers to ensure they remain on the
event topic.
Other Activities:
Prayer BreakfastCoordinate with faith-based
leaders in the community for a Recovery Month
prayer breakfast. The purpose is to discuss the role
of the faith community in supporting those in recovery.
Recovery SundayCoordinate with faith-based
leaders for a Recovery Sunday, a time when religious
leaders set aside their normal sermons/homilies to discuss
the importance of sobriety and pray for others to find
the path to recovery.
Treatment Center Open HouseCoordinate
an Open House to enable the community to visit a treatment
center. Have graduates on hand to talk about the significant
changes that occurred in their lives and those of their
loved ones when they entered treatment. The center can
hold a workshop and offer information on substance abuse.
Make sure when planning this type of event to consider
the privacy needs of clients currently in treatment.
Invite other health professionals, faith leaders, elected
officials, and other community representatives to attend.
Have materials on site that describe treatment options.
Athletic ActivitiesCoordinate a Recovery
Walk/Run/Marathon or Basketball Tournament. Activities
of this nature will provide a positive outlet for all
members of the community. These activities will bring
together the wider community to celebrate Recovery
Month.
Other Ideas:
ArticlesWrite a short article that discusses
both the long- and short-term benefits of substance
abuse treatment. Include information that drives individuals
to a web site or a telephone number for more information
or help in locating a treatment center.
Exhibit BoothsSet up an exhibit booth
at a local hospital, health fair, or wellness event
to disseminate information about effective treatment
options and related subjects.
BannersDisplay banners promoting September
as Recovery Month in your community's
most visible areas and outdoor venues. Ask local businesses
to support the effort by displaying materials in their
locations.
Public Service AnnouncementsUse the enclosed
live-read public service announcements to promote drug
and alcohol treatment on your local radio stations.
Finally, make sure that in all planned activities you
have materials available with information and phone
numbers to contact regarding treatment.
You are encouraged to share your plans and activities
for Recovery Month 2002 with the HHS/SAMHSA Center
for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and
the general public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.samhsa.gov.
We would like to know about your efforts during
Recovery Month. Please complete the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are
included on the form.
Please send any of your organization's Recovery
Month promotional samples to:Office of Communications
and External Liaison, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment,
SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall Building II, Suite
621, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery Month materials
visit our web site at http://www.samhsa.gov
or call 1-800-729-6686.
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NOTE: SAMHSA is pronounced: "SAM-SUH." It
is the phonetic pronunciation of the acronym for the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Please read this as opposed to individual letters.
(:30)
If someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol
problem, join the "Voices of Recovery"families,
friends, treatment providers, and others in the community
who are helping people recover and making a difference.
For treatment information, call 1-800-662-H-E-L-P. That's
1-800-662-HELP. A public service of this station and
SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
(:15)
Know someone struggling with drugs or alcohol? Add
your voice to the voices of families, friends, and others
who make recovery happen. For treatment options, call
1-800-662-H-E-L-P. A public service of this station
and SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
(:30)
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month. If someone you know is struggling
with an addiction, join the "Voices of Recovery"families,
friends, treatment providers, and others in the community
who are helping people recover and making a difference.
For treatment information, call 1-800-662-H-E-L-P. That's
1-800-662-HELP. A public service of this station and
SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
(:15)
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Montha time to add your voice
to those who make recovery happen. For treatment options,
call 1-800-662-H-E-L-P. A public service of this station
and SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
About These Announcements
Radio is a wonderful medium to promote the fact that
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month (Recovery Month)
and to provide the public with a toll-free number that
can be used to find out more about treatment services.
Remember, a radio public service announcement (PSA)
qualifies for free air time only if it is used to promote
a nonprofit organization or public service. Stations
will often accept pre-written scripts from organizations
seeking to convey a public service message that benefits
members of the community. The station can read these
scripts over the air.
Two 30-second and two 15-second radio PSA scripts have
been provided for your use. The scripts give the HHS/SAMHSA
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment's toll-free national
Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP, as a resource. If your
state, county, or community has its own toll-free hotline
number, we encourage you to use it in place of the national
number. Please inform those operating the hotline
that you will be using their number in the scripts.
Call your local radio station to find out the name
and correct address of the public affairs director.
If there is no one at the station with that exact title,
ask for the name and title of the person in charge of
PSAs. Explain that you are working as part of the national
effort to promote Recovery Month and to
secure the support of radio stations in promoting treatment
and informing listeners in your area where they can
go for help.
Once you have spoken with your contact, you should
either fax or mail copies of the PSA scripts for consideration.
When you retype the scripts to send them out, do not
forget to list your contact name, organization, and
phone number. Make sure to include a cover letter summarizing
the main points you discussed, and state your appreciation
for the air time these important messages will receive.
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