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Write a Letter to the Editor
I share my story today because
it's what writers do, they write
and share. It's what I need to
do because ... you all need to
know that if it could happen to
me, that one in a million, it could
happen to someone you love.
And I share it because today I
woke up, breathing and alive, and
I am so very grateful that I did.
-- Donna Ice |
A letter to the editor is an easy, effective way to get information on PH published. A letter to the editor is a short written piece (approximately 100-250 words) focused on a specific issue you have experience with. Smaller community papers tend to publish a high percentage of the letters they receive, so targeting local papers is a good strategy.
Steps:
- Create a media list
Pull together the names and contact information of the media outlets you want to get in touch with. There are three ways you can go about collecting this information.
- If you have Internet access, you can go to PHA's media search page. Type your zip code in the box and click on 'Go'. The next page will show a list of all the media outlets in your area. You can click on their underlined names to get more information about each one.
- If you do not have Internet access, you can use your local telephone book to look up media outlets and get their contact information.
- If neither of these options are available to you, you can call us at 301-565-3004 x109. We will help you get the information you need to compile your media list.
- Write your letter
The letter should be brief and to the point. Some newspapers limit the length, so try to keep the letter under 250 words. Make sure to include information about your personal or your loved one’s experience with PH as well as general information about the illness.
- Submit your letter
Send your letter to the media outlets on your media contact list. Be sure to include your contact information – the newspaper may want to contact you to verify information.
- Tell PHA
Send a copy of your letter, media evaluation form and a sample of any media coverage generated to PHA. Upon receipt, PHA will send you a certificate of recognition and offer you the opportunity to connect with other active members of the PH community.
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