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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Dear Lead Poisoning Prevention Professional:
This Media Outreach Kit, created by EPA and
supported by CDC and HUD, is designed with
your needs in mind. Please use this kit, along
with your own educational materials, as you
develop relationships with media
representatives in your service area.
Feel free to personalize the enclosed
documents. The more local the focus the more
likely your local newspaper or radio station will
use your press release or cover your event.
While the document templates in this kit are
solely focused on Lead Poisoning Prevention
Week, we plan on providing templates to you in
the future with a broader range of topics.
Good luck with each of these efforts!
Contents
What the Media Do 1
What the Media Look For 2
3 Working With the Media 3
Media Do's and Don'ts 6
t& Basic Media Campaign Strategy and Sample Schedule 8
^9 Outreach Tool Chart 10
f EPA/CDC/HUD Fact Sheets 15
Sample Press Materials 22
File Listing & For More Information 26
\J Checklist insert
Inside Back Pocket - CD with templates
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Pollution Prevention
and Toxics (7404)
EPA 747-K-01-002
September 2001
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
What the Media Do
Working with the press is an important part of what you do in your
outreach activities. Because reporters play a significant role in
spreading your message to thousands of
people, you must understand what they
need:
• Reporting Information
- New - Has a new initiative
begun?
- Changes - Was a regulation released that affects how your
program operates?
• Reporting Event
- Before - Attract attendees to event
— During - Broadcast of event; interviews done "on the spot"
- After - Coverage, success of event
• Researching Stories
- Investigative - Is your program accomplishing its stated
goals? If not, why?
- Supportive - Is your program meeting or exceeding its
goals?
The key to making your story or event newsworthy is to relate its
importance to what is happening in your community. Have lead
poisoning rates gone up in your town? What is the percentage of
children screened in the target age group? What has your agency
done to improve efforts? These are the types of questions that you
will likely get from a reporter. Make sure you have the answers, or
know where to get them!
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
What the Media Look For
The most important element of media relations is
to recognize that the media are only interested in
newsworthy information. Information that is
perceived as being too promotional in nature will
be of less interest than information that shows
how someone or something other than the
organization has benefited from your actions. It is
good to keep in mind that most suburban newspapers prefer a national
story with a local angle. When pitching an event or story idea to the
media it should have at least one of the following:
• Local angle - What does it mean to your town?
• Human interest - Was a family affected by lead? What was
done to correct the problem?
• "New" story - Issue that has not been addressed previously
• Future effects and/or conflicts - If actions were not taken,
what could happen?
Putting together a "press kit" is also helpful. This should include:
• Press release or public service announcement (PSA), depending
on the media you are approaching. Always include appropriate
contact information.
• Backgrounder, Fact Sheet, Brochure, and Calendar - This is
basic information that can be used by the reporter in
developing the story.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Wo
rking With the Media
Begin by doing your homework. Identify media outlets and specific
reporters that are most likely to cover your area of interest. Before
pitching the media or agreeing to an interview, get the following
information:
• Reporter's contact information
• Deadline
• Preference for follow up information (phone, fax, or email)
• General story angle and who else they are talking to
Get to know the reporters. Develop a relationship with the reporters
and establish yourself as a source of information about lead problems
in the community. Do not just contact them once a year for an annual
event. Let the reporters know that they can rely on you as a
consistent source of accurate information about your program and
lead issues. Give them a call when a new piece of legislation hits the
street, or when something happens in your program that will affect
your community. This way, when your issue is raised again and the
reporter is looking for in-depth information, you will
be the first person on the contact list. Being known
as an expert on a specific issue is a great way to
publicize what your agency does.
Contacting the press. Cold calling might seem
difficult, but reporters and editors are often looking to fill the pages of
their newspaper or the air in their broadcast. They need you just as
much as you need them. The trickier part is getting them to
understand the importance of your issue or event. Try stopping by
their office to deliver the press release or PSA. It is harder to turn
someone down in person than it is over the phone.
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Be considerate of deadlines. Familiarize yourself with the various
media deadlines of reporters and editors. Most if not all publications
have editorial calendars that can be used as a tool to see what the
focus will be in each issue. Be sure you are not contacting them
during their "crunch time." Pitch calls are best made mid-morning
(9:30 to noon). If you sense a reporter is rushed or impatient, ask
them if they are on a deadline and offer to call back or send
information.
Do not get frustrated. Pitch calls can be frustrating when reporters
do not bite. But remember that every phone call keeps your issue and
organization on their radar screen, and is an important step in building
an on-going professional relationship with reporters.
Send introductory and follow-up information. Prepare a news
release that will cut through the clutter. A sample release is included
in this kit. The release should be brief, easy to grasp at a glance, yet
as comprehensive as possible. If possible, give the release a local angle
or a human-interest appeal. A news release should be sent at least a
week in advance, if possible. Since publication schedules vary, it is
best to contact each publication to determine timing. Depending on
your relationship with the reporter or editor the news release should
be sent via fax/electronically or delivered in person.
Clarity. Be "on message" with what you want to say. Come to an
interview or event prepared with facts sheets and notes, so that you
can confidently, and competently, answer questions about your issue.
Facts in hand. Have up-to-date information available at your
fingertips—in the office or at an event. This will keep you well armed
if you end up in an unscheduled interview.
Speak up. Assume that everything you say in an interview will be
recorded and reported. Nothing is ever off the record!
Close the deal. Ask the reporter if he/she is interested in coming to
the event. Most will not commit over the phone but they will
consider it. Also remember to follow-up by sending a reminder to the
reporter a week before the event.
Location and look. Try to give your event the appropriate image. If
you are inviting the press to a screening, have health professionals
dress the part—lab coats, etc. When going door-to-door, have all
your staff wear similar colored shirts or jackets, with a logo that
represents your campaign.
Seasonal stories. Every medium delivers stories around holidays,
events of historical significance, or anniversaries. Try to work your
agency's efforts into several of these throughout the year.
Thank you notes. On top of sending your participants and
volunteers notes of appreciation, be sure to send one to the reporters
who covered your event. That personal touch is often remembered
down the road.
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
ia Do's and Don'ts"
"Do's":
Do your homework. Be prepared for the worst and toughest
questions with two or three positive points you want to get
across. Always remember you are selling your agency or
program.
Speak in short sentences using plain language. Professional
jargon might be appropriate in an office meeting, but it does
not translate well on the evening news.
Smile! Act like you enjoy what you are doing, and look alert
and interested.
Say, "I don't know" if you do not know the answer, but make
sure you can find it.
Stop talking when you have made your point. Let the
television or radio reporter fill "dead air."
Take the opportunity if a reporter asks if there is
anything you would like to add. This is your final
chance to summarize your points.
Practice your interviewing skills in front of a
co-worker or video camera.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
"Don'ts":
• Don't say "No comment." It means "guilty" to people who hear
it.
• Don't swear, lose your temper, lie, hesitate, or say "uh".
• Don't comment on what others have said. You are hearing it
second hand, so do not verify something that may not be true.
• Don't answer a "yes" or "no" question with one word. Expand
and elaborate to clarify the question.
The most important rule:
Never say anything you don't want to see
in print or on the evening news.
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Basic Media Campaign Strategy
and Sample Schedule
Every good campaign needs a plan. This framework gives you the
chance to consider your problem, your approach to it, and your
desired outcomes.
Campaign Strategy
1. Backgrounding the Problem
- Come up with a distinct reason to attract media
attention.
- Select objectives that will encourage them to and cover
your event.
2. Developing the Approach
- Identify target audiences.
- Divide into manageable groups.
- Select media based on audience - Review the "Outreach
Tool Charts" for suggestions.
3. Activating the Plan
- Operating Tactics - How is the plan going to be
implemented?
- Specific Activities - What is going to happen that week?
- Responsible Personnel - Assign based on staff strengths,
specialties, and interests.
- Establish Deadlines.
4. Evaluating the Campaign
- Pre and Post Surveys - did the campaign change attitudes or
encourage actions?
- Event Attendance and Program Participation.
- Media Success - Anticipated coverage vs. actual coverage -
Was it accurate?
- Surveys, Staff Reports and Other Feedback.
5. Additional Considerations
- Have a backup plan for alternate media coverage
Examples: editorial calendars, speaking engagements,
conference schedules, and background material.
Media Schedule
• 6 to 8 Weeks Prior to Campaign
- Appoint coordinators
- Create press kit
- Begin approaching partners and select locations
- Establish press contacts and visit them
• 3 Weeks Prior...
- Distribute press kits and location information
• 1 Week Prior...
- Contact reporter or editor to ensure a press kit was received
- Fax/e-mail information, if necessary
• 2-3 Days Prior...
— Send out media advisory
) V^-^-'p
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
each Tool Chart
The following outreach tools are identified by five different categories:
Awareness, Exposure, Action, Educational, and Recognition.
• Awareness - highly visible; provides a broad audience an
introduction to a particular topic or issue, utilizing repetition to
raise awareness.
• Exposure - provides a wide range of audiences with basic
information concerning a particular topic or issue.
• Action - motivates the audience towards the next step, such as
seeking out more information. Often leads to more in-depth
information.
• Educational - provides a limited audience with in-depth
information concerning a particular topic or issue.
• Recognition - recognizes specific members of a group for
outstanding performance or dedication.
Although many methods are repeated for each category, the message
you take within each focus is often very different. For example, EPA's
Runs Better Unleaded campaign was used on
posters as an awareness tool, but you may
want to develop an action poster that
advertises a screening in a local health
center.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Articles, program-
authored placed in
newspapers, magazines,
association newsletters
Articles, third party-
authored placed in
newspapers, magazines,
association newsletters
Awards
given to program
leaders
Bill Stuffers
index card of
easy-to-read,
pertinent information
Billboards
Bus Wraps
Calendar
Certificates
given to program
participants
Coloring/Activity Books
distributed at schools,
libraries, child care centers
Benefits
- offer detailed
information
- wide reach
- offer detailed
information
- wide reach
- offer third-party
validation
- program recognition
- demonstrates success
- adds value to facilities
and program
- compelling
- inexpensive to
produce
- control of message
- accessible to wide
audience
- easy to distribute
- reaches many target
audiences
- highly visible
- highly visible
- reaches broad audience
- marks milestones
(i.e check lead levels)
- offers monthly "tips"
- program recognition
- demonstrates success
- adds value to facilities
and program
- compelling
- educates both children
and parents
- frames message well;
offers context
- inexpensive to produce
- easy to distribute
Challenges
- cannot control
placement
- message susceptible
to editing
- cannot control
placement
- message susceptible
to editing
- maximum visibility
impact gained only
through long-term
commitment (e.g.,
annual event vs. one
time only)
- need reliable,
targeted lists and/or
distribution allies
- expensive
- expensive
- limited "pass around"
appeal
- significant promotional
commitment and
follow-up needed
to establish value
Outreach Focus
- Educational
- Recognition
- Educational
- Recognition
- Recognition
- Action
- Educational
- Exposure
- Action
- Awareness
- Exposure
- Awareness
- Exposure
- Action
- Educational
- Recognition
- Educational
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Tool
Benefits
Challenges
Outreach Focus
Contests (kids)
(drawing, essays)
Fact Sheets
1 -2 pages of
easy-to-read, pertinent
information
General Brochures
1 -2 pages of
easy-to-read, pertinent
information
Hang Tags
index card of
easy-to-read, pertinent
information
Implementation
Tool Kits
provided to building
owners/ operators
Information Booth
trade shows, community
events, Earth Day
celebration
Label
to be affixed to
qualifying facilities
Logo
to appear on all
program material
- educate both children
and parents
- frame message well;
offer context
- inexpensive
- inexpensive to produce
- comprehensive
- control of message
- accessible to wide
audience
- easy to distribute
- inexpensive to produce
- comprehensive
- control of message
- accessible to wide
audience
- easy to distribute
- inexpensive to produce
- control of message
- accessible to wide
audience
- easy to distribute
- offer detailed
information
- provides forum for
discussion
- eye-catching
- offers comprehensive
information
- provides forum for
discussion
- program recognition
- demonstrates success
- adds value to facilities
and program
- program recognition
- require committed
partner for
implementation
- require additional
resources to promote
winners, maximize
visibility
- expensive to produce
- development is
time-consuming
- expensive to staff
and ship
- effectiveness measures
needed to prove value
- significant resources
required to set
standards, establish
label meaning and
promote its value
- needs supplemental
information to have
value
- Awareness
- Educational
- Action
- Educational
- Action
- Educational
- Action
- Educational
- Exposure
- Educational
- Action
- Educational
- Awareness
- Exposure
- Awareness
- Exposure
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Mascot
Multi-media
Presentations
shown in schools, libraries
Newsletter
Novelty Items
(i.e. paint brushes,
sidewalk chalk kit,
bumper stickers)
Posters
placed in schools, transit
kiosks, post offices,
welfare offices, housing
authorities, child care
facilities, libraries
Public Service
Announcements
television
Public Service
Announcements
radio
Public Service
Announcements
print
Slide Shows
Benefits
- eye-catching
- educates both children
and parents
- frames message well;
offers context
- offer detailed
information
- compelling
- offers detailed
information
- provides next
steps/solutions
- offers expert advice
- educates both children
and parents
- frames message well;
offers context
- easy to distribute
- eye-catching
- inexpensive to produce
- raise public awareness
- reach broad audience
- free advertising
- wide reach
- control of message
- highly effective
- free advertising
- wide reach
- control of message
- highly effective
- free advertising
- wide reach
- control of message
- highly effective
- offer detailed information
Challenges
- limited appeal
- expensive to produce
- may not be timely
- minimally educational
- difficult to target
specific audience
- cannot control
placement
- securing placement
is time-consuming
- varied production cost
- cannot control
placement
- securing placement
is time-consuming
- varied production cost
- cannot control
placement
- securing placement
is time-consuming
- varied production cost
- outdated
Outreach Focus
- Educational
- Exposure
- Educational
- Action
- Educational
- Action
- Action
- Awareness
- Exposure
- Action
- Awareness
- Exposure
- Recognition
- Action
- Awareness
- Exposure
- Recognition
- Action
- Awareness
- Exposure
- Recognition
- Educational
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Tool
Benefits
Challenges
Outreach Focus
Targeted Brochures
8-12 pages of
easy-to-read, pertinent
information
Toll-free Information
Line
available to the public
Training Workshop
provided to building
owners/operators
Video
shown in schools, libraries
Web site
- inexpensive to produce
- comprehensive
- control of message
- accessible to wide
audience
- easy to distribute
- offers detailed
information
- provides forum for
discussion
- measures effectiveness
of other outreach tools
- expert advice
- builds database,
better target program
- offers detailed
information
- forum for discussion
- enfranchises participants
- offer detailed
information
- compelling
- offers detailed
information
- provides forum for
discussion
- need reliable,
targeted lists and/or
distribution allies
- expensive to staff
and maintain
- resource requirement
to staff and publicize
- long-term
commitment needed
- may not appeal to
target audiences
- expensive to produce
- may not be accessible
to target audiences
- Action
- Educational
- Action
- Educational
- Educational
- Educational
- Educational
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Federal Agency Fact Sheets
&EPA
Message Points for Lead Poisoning Prevention—
Environmental/Regulatory Focus
Lead Poisoning research suggests that the primary sources of lead
exposure for most children are:
• Deteriorating lead-based paint,
• Lead contaminated dust, and
• Lead contaminated residential soil.
Through the following efforts, EPA continues to play a major role in
addressing residential lead hazards:
Hazard Standards for Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil
These new national standards are more protective than previous EPA
guidance and will, for the first time, provide home owners, school and
playground administrators, childcare providers and others with
standards to protect children from hazards posed by lead, including
children in federally-owned housing.
Disclosure Rule
Requires disclosure of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint
hazards by persons selling or leasing housing constructed before the
phase out of residential lead-based paint use in 1978.
Pre-Renovation Lead Information Rule
If conducted improperly, renovations in housing with lead-based paint
can create serious health hazards to workers and occupants by
releasing large amounts of lead dust and debris. EPA has developed
requirements for renovators to distribute a lead hazard information
pamphlet to housing owners and occupants before conducting
renovations in pre-1978 housing.
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Training & Certification Program for Lead-Based Paint Activities
Ensures that individuals conducting lead-based paint abatement, risk
assessment, or inspection are properly trained and certified, that
training programs are accredited, and that these activities are
conducted according to reliable, effective and safe work practice
standards.
EPA Research and Applied Science
These efforts are helping to:
• Determine the linkage between children's blood lead levels and
environmental lead levels.
• Assess the extent of lead and lead hazards in the United States.
• Evaluate ways to reduce children's lead exposure.
• Foster the development of better ways to identify and control
lead hazards so as to eliminate childhood lead poisoning.
• Support federal policies through sound science and analysis.
To learn more, or to obtain documents, contact the National Lead
Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323), or visit EPA's
Web site at www.epa.gov/lead.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Message Points for Lead Poisoning Prevention—Health Focus
Childhood Lead Poisoning
What is the Problem?
• Approximately 890,000 U.S. children aged 1-5 years have
blood lead levels greater than the CDC recommended level of
10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. Lead poisoning
can affect virtually every body system. Because lead poisoning
often occurs with no distinctive symptoms, it frequently goes
unrecognized. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities,
behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma,
and even death.
• The most significant sources of lead exposure for U.S. children
are deteriorated lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust.
Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978.
However, approximately 24 million housing units in the
United States have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated
levels of lead-contaminated house dust; more than 4 million of
these dwellings are homes to one or more young children.
Other sources of lead poisoning are related to hobbies (e.g.,
making stained-glass windows), work (e.g., recycling or making
automobile batteries), or home health remedies (e.g., arzacon
and greta which are used for upset stomach or indigestion; pay-
loo-ah used for rash or fever).
Who is at Risk?
• Children from all social and economic strata can be affected,
although children living at or below the poverty line who live
in older housing are at greatest risk. Children of some racial
and ethnic groups living in older housing are disproportionately
affected by lead. For example, 22% of black children and 13%
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
of Mexican-American children living in housing built before
1946 have elevated blood lead levels compared with 6% of
white children living in comparable types of housing.
Can Lead Poisoning be Prevented?
• Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping
children from coming into contact with lead and treating
children who have been poisoned by lead.
- Lead hazards in a child's environment must be removed.
- Public and health care professionals need to be educated
about lead poisoning and how to prevent it.
- Children who are at risk of lead poisoning need to be tested,
and, if necessary, treated.
Issues Negatively Impacting Prevention Efforts
• Some health care providers do not perceive lead poisoning to
be a problem in their community and therefore do not routinely
screen their pediatric population or test at-risk children, even
when a parent requests that a child be tested.
• A lack of knowledge about lead poisoning and its causes often
delays parents from having their children tested or from taking
appropriate safety measures.
What the Public/Parents Can Do to Reduce Blood Lead Levels
• Ask a doctor to test your child if you are concerned about your
child being exposed to lead.
• Talk to your state or local health department about testing
paint and dust from your home for lead if you live in a house or
apartment built before 1978, especially if young children live
with or visit you.
• Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces, and frequently wash a
child's hands, pacifiers, and toys to minimize exposure to lead.
• Avoid using home remedies (e.g., arzacon, greta, pay-loo-ah)
and cosmetics (e.g., kohl, alkohl) that contain lead.
• Take basic steps to decrease your exposure to lead if you
remodel buildings built before 1978 (e.g., showering and
changing clothes after finishing the task) or if your work or
hobbies involve working with lead-based products.
CDC's Role in Preventing Lead Poisoning
• CDC provides technical and financial assistance to state and
local childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. These
programs ensure that screening, lead-hazard reduction, new
legislation, and other prevention mechanisms occur throughout
the country.
• CDC has established a national system to identify children with
elevated blood lead levels.
• CDC provides guidance for the proper care of children after
they are identified with elevated blood lead levels.
• CDC provides national guidance and policy for the prevention
of childhood lead poisoning. In November 1997, CDC issued
new screening recommendations: Screening Young Children for
Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and Local Public Health
Officials. This guidance calls for public health leadership at the
state and local levels to identify their high-risk populations and
to ensure screening and follow-up services. CDC will continue
to work with state and local areas to improve capacity and
provide guidance.
For More Information
Access the CDC Web site http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lead.htm
Call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD
(5323).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's
health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries;
enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical
health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with
local, national, and international organizations.
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Message Points for Lead Poisoning Prevention—Housing Focus
HUD Wants Every Child to Have a Lead-Safe Home!
FACT: Most homes built before 1978 have some lead paint.
Homes built before 1960 have the most lead paint. Lead can be
present on any painted surface, but it is most often found on windows,
trim, doors, railings, columns, porches and outside walls. Surfaces
that have been repainted may have layers of lead paint underneath.
A lead inspection can tell you where lead paint is located in your
home.
FACT: Scraping, sanding or otherwise disturbing old lead-based
paint can release large amounts of toxic lead dust. Learn to work
safely with lead paint and make sure any contractor you hire follows
lead-safe guidelines.
FACT: Most children are poisoned by invisible dust that is
released when paint is peeling, damaged or disturbed. The dust
settles on floors and other surfaces. From there it can easily get onto
children's hands or toys and into their mouths. Children can also be
poisoned by playing in bare soil which can contain lead from paint
that has peeled from outside walls, past use of leaded gasoline and
other outside sources.
FACT: Children under age six are most at risk for lead poisoning.
When a pregnant woman is exposed to lead, it can harm her fetus. In
addition, lead poisoning is found at higher rates in African-American
children living in older housing than Caucasian children.
FACT: The only conclusive way to determine if your child is
suffering from the effects of lead poisoning is with a blood lead
test. The test is simple, quick and available in a doctor's office or
clinic. Most health plans cover lead tests. Young children who are
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
enrolled in Medicaid and other state health programs can get free lead
tests.
Here are some simple steps you can take to keep children and homes
safe from lead paint hazards.
• Keep Paint in Good Shape: Check often for peeling paint.
Make sure any problems are fixed promptly.
• Work Safely With Lead Paint: Watch out for lead dust when
you repair, repaint or renovate. Insist on lead-safe work
practices when you hire a contractor.
• Keep Your Home Free of Lead Dust: Clean floors and
window sills often with soap and water. Make children wash
their hands regularly to prevent lead from entering their bodies.
• Watch Where Your Children Play: Don't let children play in
bare soil. Look for areas with grass or other coverings.
• Test Your Child for Lead: Ask your doctor or health
department if your child should be tested for lead.
For HUD's fact sheet, Lead Paint Can Poison: Protect Your Family When
you Repaint or Remodel, or for other information about making your home
lead-safe call 1-800-424-LEAD.
For a free brochure on other home safety issues, call HUD's Healthy
Homes hotline at 1-800-HUDS-FHA or visit HUD's Web site at
www.hud.gov. HUD is on your side.
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Media Advisory
ample Press Materials
Press Release
[AGENCY NAME]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [DATE]
CONTACT: [NAME, PHONE]
TREAT YOURSELF TO LEAD-SAFE LIVING: HARVEST THE
REWARDS!
3ri National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Highlights Importance of Testing
Children and Homes for Lead
[YOUR TOWN] - Free lead tests for children, health fairs for parents, and
workshops for property owners are just some of the events being held in [YOUR
TOWN] to celebrate National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 21 to 28,
2001.
Many children are lead poisoned from exposure to lead hazards. Disturbing
lead painted surfaces creates these lead hazards, found mostly in homes built before
1978. This dust settles on toys, windowsills, and floors and can be swallowed by
young children.
Children who are lead poisoned often suffer from learning disabilities, brain
and central nervous system damage, and other physical effects. Death from lead
poisoning is rare. Protect your child and ask your doctor for a lead test. [QUOTE
FROM LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIAL].
If you own your home, you can contact the National Lead Information
Center at (800) 424-LEAD for information on how to find professionals to test for
lead. If you are a tenant, talk with your landlord about having your residence
tested.
[STATEMENT, INFORMATION, OR QUOTE ABOUT LOCAL
EVENT]
Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in
the United States, and it is entirely preventable. Do your part by treating your
family to lead-safe living and get your child and home tested for lead. You can
harvest the rewards by providing your child with a healthy environment in which
to live, learn and grow!
For more information on [EVENT OR ACTIVITY], call [CONTACT
NAME & NUMBER]. For general information about lead poisoning, contact the
National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD (424-5323), or visit EPA's
Web site at www.epa.gov/lead.
###
[AGENCY NAME]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - [DATE]
CONTACT: [NAME, NUMBER]
MEDIA ADVISORY
[YOUR AGENCY] ANNOUNCES LEAD POISONING PREVENTION
WEEK EVENT
THEME: TREAT YOURSELF TO LEAD-SAFE LIVING: HARVEST THE
REWARDS!
y National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Highlights Importance of Testing
Children and Homes for Lead
October 19, 2001
With lead poisoning rates still high in many U.S. cities, [your agency] joins
with representatives of city and community agencies to highlight the importance
of testing children, and their homes, for lead. The theme of this year's celebration,
Treat Yourself to Lead-Safe Living: Harvest the Rewards!, helps parents and property
owners to take actions that will protect their children and tenants from lead
hazards.
WHEN: [DATE & TIME]
WHAT: [TYPE OF EVENT (PRESS CONFERENCE, FAIR, ETC.)]
WHERE: [SPECIFIC LOCATION & ADDRESS]
WHO: [LIST NAMES & ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATING]
I Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem
in the United States, and it is entirely preventable.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate nearly
900,000 children have elevated levels of lead in their blood (10
micrograms or more of lead per deciliter of blood).
The major source of lead poisoning cases is lead paint hazards in homes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently finalized regulations
aimed at identifying those hazards.
I Working with lead paint is dangerous for the unprotected worker and
residents. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
provides funding for lead-hazard control grants and loans throughout the
country, in which trained professionals perform the work.
Speakers will be available after the event for interviews.
###
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
30' & 60'Second Public Service Announcements
[AGENCY NAME]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - [DATE]
CONTACT: [NAME, NUMBER]
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT— 30 SECONDS
TREAT YOURSELF TO LEAD-SAFE LIVING: HARVEST THE
REWARDS!
3rd National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Highlights Importance of Testing
Children and Homes for Lead
"Free lead tests for children, health fairs for parents, and workshops for property
owners are just some of the events being held in [YOUR TOWN] to celebrate
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 21st to the 28th.
"The theme of this year's celebration, Treat Yourself to Lead-Safe Living: Harvest the
Rewards!, helps parents and property owners take positive steps that will protect
children and tenants from lead hazards.
Contact [NAME & NUMBER] for more information."
###
[AGENCY NAME]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - [DATE]
CONTACT: [NAME, NUMBER]
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT— 60 SECONDS
TREAT YOURSELF TO LEAD-SAFE LIVING: HARVEST THE
REWARDS!
y National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Highlights Importance of Testing
Children and Homes for Lead
"Free lead tests for children, health fairs for parents, and workshops for property
owners are just some of the events being held in [YOUR TOWN] to celebrate
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 21st to the 28th.
"The theme of this year's celebration, Treat Yourself to Lead-Safe Living: Harvest the
Rewards!, helps parents and property owners take positive steps that will protect
children and tenants from lead hazards.
"The bad news: Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health
problem in the United States, and it is entirely preventable. Nearly 900-thousand
children across the country have elevated blood lead levels. The good news: lead
poisoning is entirely preventable. To leam more about local events, lead
poisoning and what YOU can do, contact [YOUR AGENCY OR NLIC] at
[YOUR PHONE OR 800-424-LEAD] today! That's [YOUR PHONE OR
800-424-LEAD]."
###
Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
Media Contacts
Name:
Number:
Media Outlet:
Date of Contact:
Name:
Number:
Media Outlet:
Date of Contact:
Name:
Number:
Media Outlet:
Date of Contact:
Name:
Number:
Media Outlet:
Date of Contact:
Name:
Number:
Media Outlet:
Date of Contact:
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Media Outreach Kit
File Listing & For More
Information
Files on Attached CD:
1. Press Release
2. Media Advisory
3. 30-second Public Service Announcement
4. 60-second Public Service Announcement
5. EPA Fact Sheet
6. CDC Fact Sheet
7. HUD Fact Sheet
8. Runs Better Unleaded Poster
9. Doctor's Office Poster
10. Checklist
For More Information:
To obtain hard copies of the electronic documents, contact the
National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD (424-5323).
To Reach the Federal Agency Web Sites:
EPA - www.epa.gov/lead
CDC - www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead
HUD - www.hud.gov/officesAead
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