[Date]
Dear :
Each year over 30 million children need emergency care due to injury or illness. It could be a fall from a bike…a sudden high fever or seizure…a pot knocked from the stove. What if a child started choking during dinner? What if she were stung by a bee and suddenly couldn't breathe? Would most parents know what to do? Would you?
National Child Health Day is October 7, 2002 and the theme is The Right Care When It Counts. When you're choosing stories for October, will this topic be important to you? Is it important to your [readers/listeners/viewers]? The American Academy of Pediatrics notes an emergency exists if a child could die or suffer permanent harm unless care is received right away. Recent research conducted by Emergency Medical Services for Children, a program of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shows that most parents feel they are prepared for emergencies because they know when and how to call 9-1-1. But that may not be enough. A child may need care before emergency medical service personnel arrive. Being prepared can also help assure that a child gets the right care when it counts.
How can we provide better care to children facing a medical emergency?
In support of the 74th annual National Child Health Day, [describe your organization's current projects related to pediatric medical emergency preparedness/care and/or activities planned especially for Child Health Day. Provide information on how these projects/activities impact the health of children in your community.]
[Name of organization] has several spokespeople available to talk with you about how parents, caregivers and the community can be better prepared to pediatric medical emergencies. We may also be able to introduce you to some of the families who have benefited from [name of your organization]'s services, including [briefly describe one or two family stories].
[Name of organization] wants to remind parents that no matter how hard we try to protect our children-emergencies happen. Preparedness is key to ensuring children in need receive The Right Care When It Counts. Please give me a call if you would like more information or want to set up an interview. I hope that you will help spread the word about this important issue.
Sincerely,
[name, title]
[organization]
[phone number]