Governor’s Proclamation
Have the Governor sign this Proclamation declaring March 9-15, 2008 Problem Gambling Awareness Week in your state. Use this as your platform to get the media’s attention.
NPGAW Proclamation Document  Word doc (22Kb)
Press Conference
Set up a press conference using the Media Advisory to announce it. Invite local experts to present information about problem gambling. Have them present information in very brief speeches. Have a recovering individual or a treatment provider provide a testimonial to the effectiveness of treatment. Make sure the members of the problem gambling community in your area attend to demonstrate support. Showcase the campaign materials that you will be using to educate the public and health care professionals at the conference.
Consider creating press kits with some of these printed materials. Also include speaker/presenter biographies, names and phone number of person to call to answer further questions and information and contact numbers for various problem gambling organizations.
Media Advisory Document Word doc (25Kb)
Press Release
Follow up after the press conference with information about other activities you plan for the week.
NPGAW Press Release Document Word doc (25Kb)
Op-Ed Pieces
Write to the editor of local newspapers and share the activities taking place in your community. Factually discuss the issues of problem gambling and the message and discuss the treatment options available in your state. Focus on the effectiveness of treatment and provide them contact names for testimonials.
TV Ad
This :15 or :30 TV ad can be run as a PSA or as paid media. It educates the public about warning signs and treatment available. For the greatest impact, we recommend you air this ad as paid media using partnerships to help fund it. Launch the ad during March 9-15, but considering running it throughout the year as on ongoing awareness and educational message.
Radio
Four radio scripts are included here that echo the message in the TV and print ads. Contact radio stations throughout the state, or work with radio councils to persuade them to run these as PSAs. Stations typically prefer scripts to produced ads for PSAs. They generally have their on-air talent read them live or record them.
Print Ads
Place this ad in newspapers, local health and wellness publications, hospital direct mail fliers etc. Again, find regional partners to help fund print-ad placement, or work with small-market newspapers who may provide a discounted rate. Both a 4-color and black and white PDF file are available here.
Brochures and Posters for the Public
Artwork for three brochures and poster are included here which can be down-loaded are print-ready digital files. Gaming organizations may be able to get placement for the brochures and posters at retail locations or casinos. Look for partners in the treatment community to distribute these materials. Work with the Governor’s office to insert brochures into state employees paychecks. Contact large local companies who may be willing to distribute the brochures and posters in break rooms.
The three brochures target three different audiences: The problem gambler who needs to stop playing and seek treatment; A friend or family member who needs guidance on how to talk to a loved-one who needs help; A gambler who may be able to moderate their play using responsible gambling guidelines.
Printed Materials for Health Care Professionals
Health care professionals represent a group of clinicians on the front line who are likely to encounter problem gamblers. Increased awareness and early intervention are keys to reducing the personal, family and social costs of problem gambling. If heath care professionals understand the symptoms of problem gambling and know where to send patients for treatment, they can have a strong impact on getting people the help they need. Suggestions for reaching this audience are available here.
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