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Public Education Campaign Update - February 1999
Public Relations and Communications
Practice Directorate
For more information: Contact Us
Redesigned Help Center Web Site Launched
This month, APA launched its redesigned Help Center web site, making it easier for consumers to use and locate valuable information about the benefits of psychology.
Unveiled on February 1, the revamped site now includes expanded consumer information as well as improved navigational tools to make it simpler for people online to find answers to the many frequently asked questions about mental health.
"This web site is a resource that helps consumers not only gain a greater understanding about when and how to seek help for problems, but also provides information about issues affecting psychological health," said Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D., APA's executive director for professional practice.
The web site has several new features, including a search function, multimedia technology, a site map and an on-line mental health poll. Three new sections were also added to the site:
- How to Find Help For Life's Problems - answers to frequently asked questions about obtaining psychological services.
- How Therapy Helps - a place to learn more about the role of therapy in recovering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcoholism and breast cancer.
- Psychology in Daily Life - a source of information on a broad range of life issues such as retirement planning, controlling anger and sexual orientation.
Another important feature of the newly redesigned site is its overall look, which reinforces the campaign themes by incorporating imagery from the campaign literature.
"The most important thing about the redesigned Help Center is that it allows consumers to find the information they want using the method that is most comfortable for them," said Chris Barrett, assistant director for public relations and communications.
Consumers can also still order a free brochure through the Internet site, as well as obtain information about contacting a psychologist in their area. APA is actively promoting the new Help Center by establishing more links with other web sites and search engines, such as Yahoo!, Barrett said. You can visit the new Help Center at: http://helping.apa.org
MTV Project Planning Kits
Watch your mail in early March for special involvement kits to take part in the APA/MTV youth anti-violence project. Kits will help local public education campaign coordinators prepare for activities that can be implemented in every community during the month of May.
The kits contain information and sample materials for carrying out presentations to youth, alerting media and conducting other grassroots activities.
The APA/MTV "True Life" episode about youth violence is now scheduled to air on April 27. Tape copies of the show will be made available in mid April to members who register their community events. If you haven't already called to request your kit, contact the APA Campaign Services Bureau at 877.274.8787, ext. 135.
Advertising Grant Guidelines Available
Updated campaign advertising assistance grant guidelines for 1999 are now available for state, regional and local associations and divisions planning to apply. The most popular component of the grant guidelines - that APA will provide 80 percent of the matching grant - remains the same.
"The grant program was so popular, we felt it was important to continue to match advertising funds at the same level again this year," said Jan Peterson, assistant executive director for public relations and communications. "But with more competition, we also thought it was necessary to make the guidelines clear to everyone."
To apply for funding, applicants must implement at least two other campaign activities concurrent with the advertising placement and incorporate the "Talk to Someone Who Can Help" themes and materials into those activities. Grant proposals must also include:
- detailed campaign activities plan for 1999
- timeline for advertising placement and community outreach events
- the total dollar amount of advertising to be placed
- tracking/evaluation mechanism for measuring the impact of the local campaign
If an applicant meets all the program requirements, APA will provide an 80 percent match for the money raised by the organization to place advertising, until the grant funding for 1999 runs out. The grant is capped at $50,000 for advertising placed in the top 25 markets (see your campaign kit for a full list) and $25,000 for all other media markets.
One person from an association or division must be identified as the point person to manage the grant application process. They are responsible for advising the campaign services bureau of the request, reviewing ad recommendations with appropriate members, getting feedback/approval, securing and sending in the matching funds and notifying members when the ads will run.
"A number of state and regional associations and divisions have already said they expect to apply for grants, so plan to get your applications in soon," Peterson said. It takes at least two months to finalize applications, so those interested in advertising this summer should submit grant applications soon. Applications will be accepted until October 15, 1999. If you have not already received a copy of the guidelines or have any questions, please contact Tricia Alvarez at 202.336.5898.
National Mental Health Month Kits Available
"Mental Health Matters" is the theme for National Mental Health Month in May. Sponsored by the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) and partners including APA, this annual observance is aimed at focusing the nation's attention on improving mental health and treating mental illnesses.
Practitioners can start planning activities surrounding National Mental Health Month by ordering a planning guide for $15 through NMHA's Info Center line at 703.838.7534. The 1999 guide includes:
- activity ideas
- sample media releases
- posters, stickers and buttons
- fact sheets and checklists on depression and stress
All sample documents and other materials can be customized for your use and distribution.
Beginning in March, you can also order the planning guide through NMHA's Web site at: www.nmha.org
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