By establishing and maintaining good working relationships with your local media, you will ensure that mental health issues are covered by the media with accuracy and sensitivity. In addition, your local activities take on global significance and credibility when they include a specific mention linking them to the celebration of World Mental Health Day, sponsored by the World Federation for Mental Health and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization. The following materials will help you get factual and reliable information to the media on World Mental Health Day.
Sample News Release
News releases should be well-written and informative but brief — limited to two double-spaced pages. A news release should generate media attention in your story, not tell the whole story. See the Sample News Release. The information in the news release can also be used for the following purposes:
Other News Releases: Adapt news release to reflect what is happening at various World Mental Health Day news events, such as the signing of the proclamation. Add details about the “who, what, when, where” of the signing. Distribute news release to the media attending the event.
Opinion Article: Write an opinion article using the basic information in the Sample News Release. Add issues and anecdotes about mental health and ageing that are relevant to your community. Most newspapers have an editorial page for expressing these personal viewpoints — or opinions of their readers.
Call the newspaper and ask about the paper’s policies, and follow their instructions. Select an author for the article, which should be signed by a prominent mental health advocate or professional in your community. The article should also reflect the author’s expertise and opinion. Send the opinion article, with the author’s biographical information, to the attention of the editorial page editor. World Mental Health Day provides an excellent news opportunity for placing the article.