Sample Op-Ed Article
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 behaviors—behaviors that begin the destructive cycle all over again.

All these factors contribute to a tremendous cost to society—an 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 services—including 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 is—a 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.

Sample Proclamations

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.

 

Sample Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: (Name of person within
your organization who is available
to answer questions from the press.
Add contact's phone number.)

(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/alcohol—and 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.

###

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 questions—who, 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.

 

Sample Media Advisory

[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:

[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]

Date:

[day and month]

Time:

[time of the event]

Place:

[address of where the event will be held]

Contact:

[name of the person from your organization who will field phone inquiries]

Phone number:

[contact person's phone number]

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 daybooks—a daily listing of all activities that the media are invited to attend—the 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 list—a 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.

 

Promotional Event Ideas

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 Breakfast—Coordinate 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 Sunday—Coordinate 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 House—Coordinate 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 Activities—Coordinate 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:

Articles—Write 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 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.

Banners—Display 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 Announcements—Use 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.

 

Public Service Announcement Scripts

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 Month—a 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.