Name
Title
Agency
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Data Provider:  

I am writing to let you know about a statewide initiative to assemble data on homicides, suicides, and other violent deaths that occur in our state. The purpose of the database is to link together what we know about today’s violent deaths to help prevent tomorrow’s. I would like to meet with you to get your perspective on this and to ask your assistance.

I am looking to put in place a Violent Death Reporting System (VDRS) that collects comprehensive data for use in planning and evaluating policies aimed at preventing injuries and fatalities. Likewise, the VDRS will coordinate, collect and analyze data from data sources such as vital records, medical examiners/coroners, law enforcement, and crime laboratories. Our efforts are funded through a cooperative agreement with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I will be contacting you by phone to follow-up. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (phone number). Thank you for your consideration in this important and timely project.

Sincerely,