Media Outreach Materials
Sample PSA Pitch Letter

Back to Community Action Tool Kit
Back to Media Outreach Materials

Dear Public Service Director,

In the United States, more than eight million Americans suffer from peripheral arterial disease or P.A.D.—hardening of the arteries (also known as "atherosclerosis") in the limbs, often the legs.  P.A.D. can reduce mobility and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.  One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D.  It is a common, preventable, and treatable disease that is caused by the same risk factors that lead to heart disease.

This is an important public health issue for your [readers/listeners]—adults over the age of 50 are especially at risk for P.A.D. and they may not know about it.  Many of those with P.A.D. do not experience any symptoms.  P.A.D. is still largely unknown, often unrecognized, and regarded by many as an inevitable consequence of aging.  Early detection and timely treatment of P.A.D. can restore mobility; decrease the risk for heart attack and stroke, and possibly save lives.

In support of the national Stay in Circulation campaign, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has produced public service announcements for [print publications/radio outlets].  A package, including [the print PSA in various formats/audio files and scripts of the radio PSAs] was sent to your attention recently.

We hope you will raise awareness of P.A.D. within our community by running these PSAs frequently.  For more information about Stay in Circulation, including PSA art and audio files, please visit the campaign Web page at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/pad.  For questions about any P.A.D.—related activities and programs in our community, please contact [insert Organization contact].

Stay in Circulation:  Take Steps to Learn About P.A.D. is a national awareness campaign to increase public and health care provider awareness about P.A.D. and its association with other cardiovascular diseases.  The campaign is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute—part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—in cooperation with the P.A.D. Coalition, an alliance of national organizations and professional societies united to improve the health and health care of people with P.A.D.  For more information, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/pad.

Thank you for your time,

[Insert Organization contact.]