CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Environmental Strategies
2. Types of Environmental Approaches
3. Putting Environmental Strategies To Work

Supplements
References
Resources

Environmental Strategies for Prevention
A Guide To Helping the Prevention Professional Work Effectively in the Community

Sample Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:

[Name - Must be a person who can answer questions from the press]
[Phone number - include cell phone number if the person is not always available at the office]

Sample headline: COMMUNITY FORUM [OR OTHER EVENT] ADDRESSES BARRIERS THAT KEEP [CITY NAME]'S RESIDENTS WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE DISORDERS FROM TREATMENT

- [Number] people here want treatment but cannot get it, experts say -

[City, State], [Date] - More than [number] of [city]'s residents have an alcohol or drug use disorder, yet only an estimated [number] have accessed the area's treatment facilities, according to experts who spoke at a forum today held to address residents' access to drug and alcohol treatment services. At the event, [name of a particularly prominent local official] discussed with [list other event participants, such as local employers, members of the treatment community, etc.] ways to overcome barriers to treatment for drug and alcohol problems.

Sponsored by [name and phrase identifying your organization], the [event] was part of a national initiative known as the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (recovery month), which is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This year marks the 15th annual observance of Recovery Month, which celebrates people in recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders and promotes the need for better treatment access.

"Alcohol and drug use disorders have devastating health and societal consequences, and our community is not immune to these problems," said [full name of local spokesperson, title, and organization]. "Recovery Month is an opportunity for us to highlight the benefits of treatment and encourage people with drug and alcohol problems to begin their journey of recovery."

[Your organization name] Takes Action

Today's [event] featured [provide a few sentences detailing who participated and specific questions that were addressed].

To build on this event's momentum, [your organization name] has planned additional events during Recovery Month: [Give detailed examples such as those listed below.]

• A community forum will take place on [date/time] at [location]. Forum participants will discuss [list specific treatment - related topics, such as how to help area teens find age - appropriate treatment programs].
• Brochures will be distributed [explain where, how, and starting when, such as at a booth at the (name of health fair) on (date) or at the checkout counters of (supermarket name) starting (date)] to give educators, faith leaders, parents, local employers, and others tips on how to recognize when people have alcohol or drug use disorders and help them find treatment programs.
• [A run/walk or other fundraising event] will be held on [date/time] to raise money to fund new alcohol and drug use disorder treatment programs that will be designed specifically for local residents with drug or alcohol problems who also have a mental disorder.

Recovery Month - A National Effort

During Recovery Month each September, communities nationwide join together to help people recognize that alcohol and drug use disorders are treatable diseases. Research shows that treatments for alcohol and drug use disorders are as effective as treatments for other chronic conditions - yet nationally, only 10 percent of Americans who need treatment for alcohol or drug use disorders actually receive it.

The Recovery Month 2004 theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery ... Now!" encourages communities to take immediate action to improve local residents' access to recovery. Recovery Month celebrates the successes of people in recovery and acknowledges men and women in the treatment field who dedicate their lives to helping people with alcohol and drug use disorders.