Press Information

The media can be a tremendous resource for generating public awareness in your communities. A variety of sample materials have been designed for your use in working with local media outlets.

Media Tips

Press Kit :

A Letter from Our Director, Charles D. Johnson (PDF)

Sample Letters to the Editor
The sample letters to the editor gives you the opportunity to provide the news media and the public with general information about Elder Abuse and Elder Abuse Awareness Month. This type of column offers one of the best venues for providing a "personalized pitch" about elder abuse, services and reporting information. Most newspapers include columns from local perspectives.

– Sample Letter to the Editor (Word or PDF)
– Illinois Letter to the Editor (Word or PDF)

Sample Public Service Announcements
Three sample scripts for radio/television public service announcements (PSAs) are included, in the lengths preferred by most media outlets – 60 seconds, 30 seconds and 15 seconds. Each PSA can be personalized with your contact information.

PSAs can be submitted as scripts for on-air personalities to read, or you can ask the television or radio station to audiotape or videotape your preferred spokesperson.

Your PSAs are more likely to receive airtime if you invest time in advance preparation. Here are some helpful tips:

• Personal contact with the public service or news directors of local television and radio stations is essential. Give them a brief overview of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, its goal and theme, as well as collaborative efforts to commemorate this month in your community.
• When your PSAs receive airtime, it's a good idea to send a "thank you" note to your news media contact to emphasize the value of their contribution to Elder Abuse Awareness Month and how it increased public awareness.

– Sample PSAs (Word or PDF)

National Center on Elder Abuse Fact Sheet
The National Center on Elder Abuse recently distributed Fact Sheets to each state on important information pertaining to elder abuse and neglect.

– Illinois Fact Sheet (PDF)

Sample News Article (Word or PDF)

Sample Speech (Word or PDF)