Sample Media Advisory
(Name of your organization) to Hold Forum on Drug and Alcohol
Treatment Services
In recognition of the 14th annual observance of National Alcohol
and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month), [name of your official] will announce that the
[name of your organization] will hold a Forum to discuss the shortage of drug and alcohol treatment services
in [name of your community]. In making the announcement, [name of official] said that it is currently estimated
that nationwide 76 percent of people in need of treatment for a problem with illicit drugs did not seek or receive
treatment. Consequently, this Forum will look at how the national reality impacts [name of your community].
A primary area of focus for the discussion will address the need for coordinated mental health
and substance abuse treatment services in the community. Coordinated services for men, women, and youth who are
addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and who also have a co-occurring mental disorder or co-existing physical illness
are crucial to the individuals well-being and the health of the community-at-large. The Forum is especially
timely in light of the fact that this years national theme is Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Health.
The Forum will feature speakers from the recovery community, health and wellness providers,
local public officials and civic leaders,
and employers (whoever is in attendance).
Participants: |
[add the name of your local official]
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[add the name of a representative from your organization]
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[add the names of leaders in recovery who are participating]
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Date: |
[day and month] |
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Time: |
[time of the event] |
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Place: |
[address of where the event will be
held] |
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Contact: |
[name of the person from your organization
who will field phone inquiries] |
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Phone number: |
[contact persons 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 briefing. This document
provides print, broadcast, and Internet reporters with the information
they need to plan 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 or calendar listings of local newspapers and business publications
that feature 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. This list
can also be used when distributing your press release. 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 Bacons directories, the
Yellow Book, and Gebbies 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, most reporters
and editors prefer information to be emailed to them; therefore secure an email 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, womens centers, health care clinics, professional associations, churches and other faith-based
institutions, drug stores, and local clubs. |
Follow up. After you email 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 2003 with SAMHSAs
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and the general
public by posting them on the official Recovery Month web site at http://www.recoverymonth.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 organizations Recovery
Month promotional samples to: Office of the Director, Consumer
Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall Building II, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery
Month materials visit our web site at
http://www.recoverymonth.gov or call 1-800-729-6686.
Sample Press Release
For Immediate Release |
Contact: (Name
of person within your organization who is available to answer questions
from the press. Add contacts phone number.) |
(Name of your organization) Recognizes
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
Month and Calls for Increased Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services
(City and state where your organization is located;
date you want press release published) (Name and title of your organization)
recognized September as National Alcohol
and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month) and called for
more treatment services and better coordination of existing services.
It urged the community to support efforts to make substance abuse treatment
available to all those in need. Nationally, it is estimated that 76 percent
of those in need of treatment for a problem with illicit drugs did not
seek or receive treatment. Among those most in need of effective, coordinated
services are men, women, and youth who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol
and may also have a co-occurring mental disorder or co-existing physical
illness. Millions of people are in need of treatment for both substance
abuse and mental disorders, but too often they are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed,
or slip through the cracks entirely, such as those in our nations
homeless population. Half of the people living in our streets have co-occurring
mental and substance abuse disorders.
Not only do people with co-occurring substance abuse
and mental disorders need to be diagnosed, but both disorders must be
treated because failure to do so almost assures an exacerbation of health
problems. As the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations
Report to Congress on the Prevention and
Treatment of Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders
points out: If one of the co-occurring disorders goes untreated,
both usually get worse and additional complications often arise. The combination
of disorders can result in poor response to traditional treatments, and
increases the risk for other serious medical problems (e.g., HIV, hepatitis
B and C, and cardiac and pulmonary diseases).
Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction have devastating
health and societal consequences. Substance abuse is the root cause of
a myriad of health problemsit causes tens of thousands of deaths
each year, and untreated addiction takes an enormous economic tollan
estimated $294 billion annually, said (name of spokesperson, title,
and organization). But it can be successfully treated. For this
reason, the Recovery Month 2003
theme, Join the Voices for Recovery:
Celebrating Health, is especially appropriate. Recovery
Month is the right time to highlight the benefits of substance
abuse treatment and encourage individuals with drug and alcohol problems
to begin their journey of recovery, said (name of spokesperson).
During September, communities nationwide join together
to help people recognize that substance abuse or addiction to drugs and
alcohol is a treatable disease, and that treatment is as effective as
it is for other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and high
blood pressure. However, in the case of co-occurring mental disorders
or co-existing physical illnesses, it is important that the substance
abuse and mental and physical conditions be treated simultaneously in
a coordinated manner. During Recovery Month,
special efforts will be made by the (your organization) to reach out to
the health care provider and payer community to encourage their support
for effective, available treatment for all those in need.
Recovery Month
also celebrates the successes of individuals who are in recovery and acknowledges
men and women in the treatment field who dedicate their lives to helping
those with addictions.
Locally, several public awareness activities will take
place throughout the month of September: (Give examples such as those
listed below.)
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A Community Forum will take place on (date/time).
At the Forum, many drug/alcohol and treatment-related topics will
be discussed, and solutions to associated problems will be presented
and addressed. |
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Information addressing the effectiveness of treatment
and instructing individuals how to get involved in ensuring those
in need have access in their community will be distributed to educators,
faith leaders, local employers, and others in the community. |
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Fund-raising events will be held to raise money
to support existing substance abuse treatment programs and services,
or to create new ones. |
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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.
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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:
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Announces the results of a poll, survey,
or study on alcohol and drug abuse and addiction |
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Launches a new public education program |
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Begins a new type of service or makes
significant changes to existing services |
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Hires a new director or high-level
staff person |
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Receives a grant or donation |
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Wants to publicize the local impact
of a national news event |
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Forms a special task force |
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Conducts seminars or workshops featuring
a local or national celebrity speaker |
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Honors an individual or organization |
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Plans local activities to tie into
a well-known day, week, or month |
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Plans an event to issue a Recovery
Month proclamation |
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Stick to the format.
Releases should be typed on your organizations
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. |
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Keep it short. A
release should be no more than two pages, double-spaced; it should
contain short sentences and paragraphs. |
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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. |
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Be careful with
language. Avoid using slang or technical
terms. If necessary, explain terms. |
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Check for accuracy.
Be sure to verify all spelling, statistics,
names, and titles. |
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Write factually.
Opinions should be expressed in direct quotes
only. When quoting an individual, get consent before publishing. |
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Seek placement. Distribute
your release via email or fax to local print, broadcast, and Internet
reporters in your community. An explanation of how to develop a media
distribution list is provided with the sample media advisory. 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 2003 with SAMHSAs
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and the general
public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.recoverymonth.gov.
We would like to know about your outreach efforts
and community success stories during Recovery
Month. Please complete
the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are included on the form.
Please send any of your organizations Recovery
Month promotional samples to: Office of the Director, Consumer
Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall Building II, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery
Month materials visit our web site at
http://www.recoverymonth.gov or call 1-800-729-6686.
Addressing the Needs of the Troubled in Uncertain
Times
We live in troubled times, a period of global uncertainty.
We live in a nation transformed. While as a nation we are resilient and
optimistic, it is understandable that many Americans feel anxious and
unsure about a world that is increasingly unpredictable.
Our nation has a long history that tells us that, in
times of stress and anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse may increaseoften
dramatically. Nowhere is this more true than among men, women, and youth
who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and who also have a co-occurring
mental disorder. In such cases, trauma can trigger an increase in substance
abuse and stress-related episodes of a psychiatric problem. It is no small
problem. Today, millions of people are in need of treatment for both conditions,
but too few receive it.
Unfortunately, as a nation we are ill-equipped to meet
the needs of men and women with co-occurring substance abuse and mental
disorders. In fact, we are unprepared to provide treatment for most people
with substance abuse disorders. In 2001, 76 percent of people in need
of treatment for a problem with illicit drugs did not seek or receive
treatment. The problem is magnified among those with co-occurring disorders.
Too often they are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or, like the homeless population,
slip through the cracks entirely. Half the people living in our streets
have co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders. Their symptoms
are often active and untreated, making it extremely difficult for them
to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and safety.
Because failure to diagnose substance abuse disorders
is commonplace, it should come as no
surprise that physicians might fail to detect it in a person presenting
symptoms of a mental disorder. The problem of failure to diagnose substance
abuse was vividly illustrated by a study of primary care physicians and
patients with substance abuse. The study showed that 45 percent of patients
said their primary care physician was unaware of their substance abuse.
Studies show that physicians miss or misdiagnose substance abuse for a
variety of reasons, ranging from lack of adequate training in medical
school, to skepticism about treatment effectiveness, to discomfort about
discussing substance abuse with patients.
Even among those with co-occurring disorders who are
properly diagnosed, treatment is often fragmented. In many locations there
are two separate systems of treatment, one for those with substance abuse
disorders and a different system for those with mental disorders. Yet,
good medicineand common sensetell us that treatment is most
effective when the needs of the whole person are addressed. The substance
abuser whose mental disorder is untreated is at high risk for continued
problems associated with both conditions. Similarly, a man or woman who
is treated for a mental disorder, but whose drinking or drug use is unchecked,
is unlikely to make much progress in his or her recovery. In fact, failure
to treat both disorders may result in an exacerbation of health problems.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administrations Report to Congress
on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorders
and Mental Disorders underscores this point: If one of the
co-occurring disorders goes untreated, both usually get worse and additional
complications arise. The combination of disorders can result in poor response
to traditional treatments, and increases the risk for other serious medical
problems. Therefore, the mental health, substance abuse, and physical
health systems need to communicate with each other and work together for
the good of the individual who has co-occurring disorders.
September marks the 14th annual observance of National
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month). The
theme for 2003 is Join the Voices
for Recovery: Celebrating Health. It is a fitting time
to dedicate ourselves to encouraging alcohol and drug addiction treatment
for all those in need, including the millions of Americans who have co-occurring
disorders. And make no mistake: treatment is effective, and recovery is
possible. A study reported in the Journal of
the American Medical Association compared treatment for drug dependence,
including alcohol, with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and asthma.
The study concluded that medical adherence and relapse rates are similar
across these illnesses. Drug dependence generally has been treated as
if it were an acute illness. Review results suggest that long-term care
strategies of medication management and continued monitoring produce lasting
benefits. Drug dependence should be insured, treated, and evaluated just
like other chronic illnesses.
Whether you are involved with the health care system
or are simply a person who is concerned about this issue, we ask you to
Join the Voices for Recovery. This
is one problem we can do something about. By supporting treatment for
those in need, we can help men, women, and youth in our own communities
to find their way to recoveryand join the millions of others in
recovery who are leading full, rich, productive, and rewarding lives.
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, a good 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:
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Make an outline. It will help you stay
focused and act as a reminder to cover key points. |
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Stick with one subject per submission. |
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Express an opinion and be clear and
well-stated from the beginning. |
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Do not assume your readers are aware
of the issue or your viewpoint. Give them enough background information
to help them follow your logic. |
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Support your position with statistics
or study results, but do not bury them in numbers. |
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Use appropriate anecdotes; reference
a recent news event or story. |
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Contact one or more of the listed Recovery
Month planning partners for a relevant quote. |
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Localize your story whenever possible. |
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Be clear and firm in your approach,
but not fanatical. |
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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 email. 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 2003 with SAMHSAs
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and the general
public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.recoverymonth.gov.
We would like to know about your outreach efforts
and community success stories during Recovery
Month. Please complete
the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are included on the form.
Please send any of your organizations Recovery
Month promotional samples to: Office of the Director, Consumer
Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall Building II, Rockville, MD 20857. For any additional Recovery
Month materials visit our web site at http://www.recoverymonth.gov
or call 1-800-729-6686.
Sample Proclamation 1
In the past 20 years medical science has made great
strides in learning about substance use and the nature of addiction. Addiction
is a chronic illness that involves brain chemistry. Treatment for addiction
is as effective as treatments for other chronic medical conditions, such
as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Substance use and addiction result in huge societal
and economic costs. It was recently estimated that the cost of untreated
addiction in the United States is $294 billion a year. Despite this staggering
statistic, 76 percent of people in need of treatment for a problem with
illicit drugs did not seek or receive treatment. To further compound the
problem, about half of those with a lifetime substance abuse disorder
also experience a lifetime history of at least one mental disorder. Roughly
half of those with one or more lifetime mental disorders also have a lifetime
history of at least one substance abuse disorder. In addition, many men,
women, and youth who are addicted suffer from a wide range of co-existing
physical illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes,
hepatitis C, and AIDS, among others.
It is imperative that people with co-occurring disorders
are properly diagnosed and treated. As the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administrations Report
to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-occurring Substance
Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders points out: If one of
the co-occurring disorders goes untreated, both usually get worse and
additional complications often arise. The combination of disorders can
result in poor response to traditional treatments and increases the risk
for other serious medical problems (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B and C, cardiac
and pulmonary diseases), suicide, criminalization, unemployment, homelessness,
and separation from families and communities.
Untreated mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
result in excess costs associated with inpatient and emergency room care,
the criminal justice system, homelessness, joblessness, welfare, and child
welfare.
Clearly, the toll substance abuse takes on family, friends,
and community is immeasurable. But recovery is possible. Every day in
every part of the United States, men, women, and youth are entering treatment
and beginning the road to recovery and families are seeking 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 tremendous strides
taken by individuals who have undergone successful treatment, families
in recovery, and those in the treatment field who have dedicated their
lives to helping people recover. This years theme, Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Health, invites all
segments of society to join the recovery community in improving the quality
of treatment programs and coordinated 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 Administrations 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 2003 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.
________________________________
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Signature
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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 2003 as National
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in [your city or state
here]; and
WHEREAS, acknowledging September 2003 offers those involved
in substance abuse treatment an opportunity to educate the public, community
organizations, public officials, and civic leaders about the effectiveness
of treatment, both societal and financial; and
WHEREAS, substance abuse and co-occurring mental disorders
and co-existing physical illnesses are major public health problems that
affect millions of Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds
and in all communities, and have huge medical, societal, and economic
costs; and
WHEREAS, people with co-occurring substance abuse and
mental disorders can and do recover, and people with co-occurring substance
abuse and mental disorders deserve access to the services they need to
recover; 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, co-occurring disorders, and treatment
issues; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations 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 2003 as
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Recovery Month
in [name of your city or state here] and encourage all
citizens to support this years theme,
Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Health
by supporting men, women, and youth who are in drug and alcohol addiction
treatment and recovery, and their families.
________________________________
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Signature
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Proclamations
Proclamations are an effective tool for drawing public
attention to a given event, activity, or celebration. Having a top official
sign a proclamation designating September National
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a
good way to gain 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, state legislatures,
municipalities, counties, cities, or towns. All you have to do is write
a letter or contact a member of the respective government entitys
communications office to identify the appropriate mechanism to follow
for the issuance of a Recovery Month
proclamation.
Once you secure the proclamation, there are many ways
to publicize it. If the signing takes place at a news conference, distribute
copies to reporters. You can also have the proclamation photo- enlarged
to poster size for display at the news conference. Afterward, display
this visual prop (and additional copies) in the lobby of public
places, including government buildings. It is a good idea to add a copy
to your web site and link to the official Recovery
Month web site, http://www.recoverymonth.gov.
Also, send copies of the proclamation to local newspapers.
Traditional proclamations begin with a series of Whereas
clauses followed by a Therefore. Whereas means
because, inasmuch as, or since. The
Whereas clauses justify the final Therefore, which
is the actual proclamation. They set the stage, state the problem, and
suggest action to remedy the problem. The Therefore is the
actual declaration and request for specific support.
Two sample proclamations are provided. The first is
more contemporary, leaving out the Whereass. The second
proclamation includes them and restructures the topic sentences of some
paragraphs. Modify these sample proclamations by inserting information
about the problem in your community.
You are encouraged to share your plans and activities
for Recovery Month 2003 with SAMHSAs
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and the general
public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.recoverymonth.gov.
We would like to know about your outreach efforts
and community success stories during Recovery
Month. Please complete
the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are included on the form.
Please send any of your organizations Recovery
Month promotional samples to: Office of the Director, Consumer
Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall Building II, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery
Month materials visit our web site at http://www.recoverymonth.gov
or call 1-800-729-6686.
Promotional Event Ideas
Whether this is your first National
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month), or
your 14th observance, the special events and activities that start in
September are an important contribution to raising awareness of the issues
surrounding substance abuse addiction and recovery throughout the year.
With the help of individuals and organizations like yours, Recovery
Month becomes more and more successful with each passing year.
This years theme is
Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Health. It
encourages everyone to break the silence and stigma of addiction by celebrating
the stories of those in recovery. It also calls attention to those individuals
who have confronted co-occurring mental disorders and co-existing physical
and cognitive disabilities, and as a result are leading healthy and productive
lives. Individuals in recovery are a true testament to the positive impact
of treatment.
Please consider using the ideas listed below as your
starting point for events and activities throughout the year.
Plan Community Forums, Media Events, and Other Activities
Engage the media to help inform your community about
the importance of addiction treatment and the powerful message of recovery.
Begin Recovery Month by holding
a press conference or community forum with the mayor, governor, community
leaders, 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 years theme. If possible, have people in recovery
speak or take questions. Also use this opportunity to recognize a community
leader who has worked on behalf of these issues and provide that person
with a certificate of recognition.
What Is a Community Forum?
A community forum consists of a panel of community leaders
brought together to discuss a specific issuein this case, substance
abuse and treatment. The panel could include public officials and civic
leaders, local treatment providers, employers, health professionals, educators,
the media, community leaders, members of the faith community, and individuals
in recovery.
When planning this type of event, select an experienced
moderator. The moderators role is to keep the event moving, on time,
and on topic. Moderators also set the agenda, perform introductions, and
facilitate the forum.
Forums can be aired on local television, radio, or cable
stations. They can also be broadcast on the Internet. To enhance public
interest in your forum, consider organizing it around a widely publicized
event. Another option is to hold a legislative forum that has the support
of a member of Congress or state legislator. While either could attract
media attention, the latter strives to achieve support for policies and
funding as well.
What Is a Press Event?
A press event is usually related to a specific activity,
such as the opening of a new treatment center, release of a new study,
issuance of a civic proclamation, or an event, such as a run/walk. 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,
invite members of the media to raise questions and interview participants.
You should provide press kits to members of the media. Press kits should
include a press release, 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:
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Select a specific topic for the Forum or press conference. |
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Avoid competing with other organizations Recovery
Month activities by checking times and dates with your colleagues.
When possible, coordinate your activities with those of your colleagues. |
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To increase media attention, select a location of interest, such
as a park, public building (public grounds require special permits),
or treatment center. |
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Select a Forum moderator. |
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Compile and contact a list of participants and speakers. Provide
speakers with an agenda and time limit for their remarks. Keep the
remarks brief. |
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Coordinate with local media to cover the event. |
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Send out a press release and media advisory (samples are located
in this kit) in advance of the event. |
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Follow up with calls to the media to encourage coverage. |
When planning events, remember that 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:
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Outdoor events can be weather-dependent. Have a back-up venue or
a rain date. |
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If your guest list expands, make sure you have adequate seating
for all participants. |
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Speakers can be delayed, get sick, or have last-minute conflicts.
Have a back-up speaker or revised agenda. |
|
Check all audiovisual equipment to make sure it is in proper working
order. |
|
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:
Sponsor a Health Fair
Coordinate with other organizations and sponsor a health fair. Have booths
for local treatment centers to offer information and speak to their neighbors.
Offer treatment materials for those who might be in need. Invite local
civic and appointed officials and community leaders to speak on substance
abuse topics. Make sure that there are activities for children as well.
Exhibit Booths
Set up an exhibit booth at a local hospital, health fair, or wellness
event to disseminate information about effective treatment options and
related subjects.
Recovery Saturday or Sunday
Coordinate with faith leaders for a Recovery Saturday or
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.
Partner with Businesses and
Other Volunteer Organizations Work with local businesses
and volunteer and civic organizations to get the word out that substance
abuse is a treatable disease. Place advertisements about an upcoming event
in your organizations newsletter, church bulletin, or in the windows
of local stores and restaurants.
Athletic Activities
Get involved in local sports at the high school or college level. Work
with the schools and coaches to educate students on the dangers of steroids
and other performance-enhancing drugs. Coordinate a recovery walk/run
or marathon, basketball or tennis tournament, or similar event. Hosting
activities of this nature will provide a positive outlet for all members
of the community, bringing them together to celebrate Recovery
Month.
High School Assembly Tour
Coordinate with the principals of local high schools to
host an assembly discussing substance and alcohol abuse, its warning signs,
and the importance of treatment and recovery for the health of individuals,
family, friends, and the community. Consider inviting a youth in recovery
to share his or her personal story at the assembly.
Articles Write
a short article that discusses both the long- and short-term benefits
of addiction treatment. Include information that drives individuals to
a web site or a telephone number for more information or help in locating
a treatment center. Dont overlook local magazines and weekly newspapers
as a source for placement of your article.
Media Partnership
Approach the producer of a local television station to partner in promoting
Recovery Month. Ask the station
to list community treatment centers on its web site and create a hot-link
to your organizations web site.
Radio Outreach
Coordinate with a local radio personality and/or university radio stations
to promote your Recovery Month event
and to mention key messages on the air. Radio is a powerful tool for your
outreach because most stations appeal to a certain demographic. Take advantage
of this by marketing your event to an appropriate and specific audience,
such as college or modern rock stations for a college health fair or sports
stations for an athletic event.
Banners Display
banners promoting September as Recovery
Month in your communitys most visible areas and outdoor venues.
Ask local businesses to support the effort by displaying materials in
their locations.
Public Service Announcements
Use the enclosed live-read public service announcements
to promote drug and alcohol treatment on your local radio stations.
Finally, make sure that for 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 2003 with SAMHSAs
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, your colleagues, and the general
public by posting them on the official Recovery
Month web site at http://www.recoverymonth.gov.
We would like to know about your outreach efforts
and community success stories during Recovery
Month. Please complete
the Customer
Satisfaction Form enclosed in the kit. Directions are included on the form.
Please send any of your organizations Recovery
Month promotional samples to:
Office of the Director, Consumer Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment,
SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall Building II, Rockville, MD 20857.
For any additional Recovery
Month materials visit our web site at
http://www.recoverymonth.gov or call 1-800-729-6686.
Live-Read Radio Scripts
Live-Reads About Recovery
Month
:30
To someone struggling with drugs or alcohol, your voice
can make a difference. This September, join the Voices
for Recovery and celebrate health during
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Families, friends,
and treatment providers in your community are helping people recover.
You can, too. For treatment information, call 1-800-662-H-E-L-P. A public
service of this station and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
:15
Celebrate health during National
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
Call 1-800-662-H-E-L-P. A service of this station and the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
Live-Reads About Co-occurring Disorder
:30
Do you know someone whos using drugs or alcohol
to deal with anxiety, depression, or another mental disorder? Help them
by joining the Voices for Recoveryfamilies,
friends, and treatment providers in your community who are celebrating
health, and making recovery happen. For treatment information, call 1-800-662-H-E-L-P.
A public service of this station and the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
:15
If someone you know uses drugs or alcohol to deal with
a mental disorder, call 1-800-662 H-E-L-P.
A public service of this station and U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
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 airtime 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 Treatments 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 their 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 airtime these important messages will receive.
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