Appendix C
Localized Media Advisories
EXAMPLE- Los Angeles
February 10, 2003
TO: GREG HABELL – KNX 323-460-3275
FR: Toni Delacorte (301) 565-0770 ext. 232
RE: Substance Abuse and Treatment
SHOULD THE WAR ON DRUGS TARGET THE ADDICT RATHER THAN THE SUPPLIER?
Just released last week from the US Govt (HHS) are new stats on substance abuse – which is on the rise in the U.S . And, there is growing concern about the “treatment gap.” Of the 16.6 million people who have dependence on or abuse either alcohol or illicit drugs, the number of persons needing but not receiving treatment increased from 3.9 million in 2000 to 5.0 million in 2001.
Your sister station, WTOP here in DC, did a news feature phone interview earlier this week and perhaps you’d like to do one as well with Charles Curie, the head of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
SAMHSA --a division of HHS is sponsoring National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (September). The theme, “A call to Action,” intends to focus attention on responding to the millions of American’s who seriously need treatment for substance abuse. Community and educational forums are being held across the nation.
Among other things, Mr. Curie would like to talk about the need to recognize addiction as a public health issue; an illness for which those afflicted need treatment in order to arrest their disease. Study after study has shown that treatment for substance addiction is effective--and that recovery is possible. Still, stigma and other barriers keep those needing treatment from getting the help they need.
Attached are a Reuters wire story and the advisory on Recovery Month. I have more information and bios, when and if you are interested in confirming an interview—optimally some time during the month of September. Thanks for the consideration.
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